Juice by the baht

Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) yesterday launched its pre-payment meters in Pattaya -- the first tourist resort to use the devices -- as an alternative channel of payment, especially for low income households.

PEA vice president Naris Srinuan said pre-payment meters would be available for homes, small businesses under the jurisdiction of PEA offices in Muang Pattaya, as well as Rayong, Rangsit and Pathum Thani 2 (Bang Kradi).

 Smart card currency

Users can top up the meters using a smart card, he said, enabling them to monitor electricity usage without being afraid of a huge power bill at the end of month. It costs Bt3,000 to join the new meter programme at a PEA office.

The PEA, which has already installed 40 pre-payment meters in Pattaya City, brought 750 meters for Pattaya residents to reserve at the launch yesterday. For more information, call (038) 221 007 or (038) 222 493.