The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is gathering public opinion on its three choices for new power tariff rates before selecting one to determine electricity bills between September and December.
The rates vary based on differing periods to reimburse the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), which accrued a large loss after subsidising electricity bills from September 2021 to May 2023, said Khomgrich Tantravanich, secretary-general of the ERC.
Egat's accumulated loss is projected to decrease to 135 billion baht at the end of next month.
The current power tariff rate for households and businesses, which is applicable until the end of August, is 4.7 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit).
If the rate increases to 6.28 baht per unit, which is one option, Egat's loss will be settled at the end of December, said Mr Khomgrich.
The 6.28-baht rate comprises a fuel tariff (Ft) of 2.5 baht per unit and base tariff, also known as base factor, of 3.78 baht per unit.
The base tariff indicates the costs of power plants and distribution systems, while the Ft is determined by fuel costs.
The second power tariff option is 4.7 baht per unit, comprising an Ft of 0.91 baht per unit and base tariff of 3.78 baht per unit.
This choice means Egat would eliminate its loss by September next year, he said.
The third power tariff option is 4.45 baht per unit, with an Ft of 0.66 baht per unit and base tariff of 3.78 baht per unit.
Under this choice, Egat would take longer to manage its loss, expected to be cleared within April 2025, said Mr Khomgrich.
People can voice their opinions on the ERC website until July 21.
The ERC plans to announce the selected power tariff rate at the end of this month, he said.
The calculation of the three power tariff rates is based on a decrease in the average price of the gas pool by 53% to 346 baht per million British thermal units, down from the rate in the May-August cycle.
The gas pool price is calculated from the prices of gas supplied from the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar, as well as imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Prices of imported LNG and coal have dropped, while Thailand expects to have a greater supply of inexpensive domestic gas.
According to Egat's fuel usage for power generation, gas makes up 60% of all fuels, with 15% from coal, 15% from renewable energy and 10% from electricity imports from Laos and Malaysia.
