Economy
Thailand Announces Electricity Subsidy and Solar Expansion Plan
The National Energy Policy Council has approved a 16.1 billion baht subsidy to stabilize electricity bills through the end of 2026 and launched a major solar energy initiative.
On September 18, 2026, the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) announced a series of measures to manage electricity costs in Thailand. According to Khaosod Online, the government will utilize 16.127 billion baht in surplus funds to subsidize the automatic tariff (Ft) for the period of September to December 2026. This move aims to mitigate the impact of a 16.23 satang per unit increase in the Ft rate approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
To manage the financial burden, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and PTT Public Company Limited will temporarily absorb outstanding costs on behalf of consumers. Additionally, the NEPC has implemented a policy to cap natural gas prices for power plants at an average of 363.53 baht to ensure stability.
For residents and long-term visitors, this intervention is intended to prevent sharp spikes in monthly utility bills during the final quarter of the year. Furthermore, the government has expanded the 'People’s Solar' program, aiming for a capacity of 10,000 megawatts. The state will purchase surplus electricity from residential solar installations at a rate of 2.20 baht per unit for a 20-year term.
While these measures provide immediate relief, the long-term impact on national energy infrastructure and the specific application process for the expanded solar program remain to be confirmed by the relevant authorities.
