Most of the general public are currently facing rising cost of living. Srettha added that the increase could hurt the government’s popularity in the next general election.
The ERC earlier approved a 12.5% increase in the electricity tariff for residential consumers, from 4.20 baht to 4.68 baht per unit.
The ERC is expected to meet again in January to discuss the government’s decision. It is unclear whether the commission will agree to suspend the increase or if it will propose a smaller hike.
The Energy Ministry’s spokesman, Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, said the ERC had based its decision on the need to offset losses borne by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and thus allow it to service its debts. He said that the ministry would work with the ERC to find a way to reduce the impact of the tariff hike on consumers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister,…
