Published on January 18, 2006

Preliminary figures show nationwide electricity tariffs need to rise a steep 32 satang per kilowatt-hour, according to Energy Minister Viset Choopiban.

Viset yesterday confirmed an estimate by leading energy expert Piyasvasti Amranand that the fuel-adjustment electricity tariff, or “ft”, would have to rise 32 satang per kilowatt-hour from next month, due to an increase in the price of natural gas.

He said the government would launch several measures to bring down the cost of power, but it was not clear how much the rate could be reduced.

Relevant state agencies are also studying ways of assisting small consumers who use less than 150 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month.

The minister said this would probably be done through deferring a portion of the rate hike to later in the year.

The ministry had earlier assigned Egat and PTT to seek ways of cutting the cost of generating electricity by adjusting operating schedules.

Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry is confident the country’s oil consumption can be slashed another 10 per cent this year, a feat that would improve the trade balance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak told reporters after meeting with Viset and executives of local oil refineries that he had asked for their cooperation in cutting the volume of oil imports 10 per cent this year.

Oil imports were reduced 5 per cent last year.

Viset said he was confident the target could be met, because of government promotions of gasohol and natural-gas vehicles (NGVs).

PTT is expanding the number of NGV gas-supply outlets from 58 today to 160 by year’s end.

He said that furthermore, the manufacturing sector would be encouraged to use biogas during production. An energy-conservation campaign is also in the works.

Energy Reporters

The Nation

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