Bangkok: Attawich Suwannaphakdee, a party-list MP from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, has called upon the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to utilize its full authority to lower electricity and gas prices, advocating for a comprehensive restructuring of the energy sector rather than passing the financial burden onto consumers.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthawich addressed a parliamentary session, questioning the effectiveness of the ERC in lowering electricity costs despite holding the highest regulatory power in the energy sector. He highlighted that the ERC often ends up maintaining or increasing electricity prices when proposing adjustments to the fuel adjustment charge. He referenced Mr. Peerapan Salirathavipak, leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and former Minister of Energy, who managed to reduce electricity prices through a significant restructuring of energy costs.

Mr. Atthawich criticized the current approach of providing electricity subsidies for the first 200 units consumed, arguing it only addresses the symptoms rather than the root cause. He pointed out that consumers with bills over 2,000 baht per month face higher costs, as the government has not tackled the fundamental issue of energy cost restructuring.

He proposed that the ERC should reform the energy structure by prioritizing low-cost natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand as the main electricity source. Additionally, he suggested liberalizing the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to foster competition and urged negotiations to reduce the availability payment burden in power purchase agreements with private companies. Mr. Atthawich also called on the outgoing ERC board members to fulfill their responsibilities for the benefit of the public and the nation.