Bangkok: The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced that it will not disconnect electricity to locations where patients require power to operate medical equipment. This decision is aimed at ensuring that individuals who rely on electrical medical devices for treatment are not adversely affected by power cuts.

According to Thai News Agency, the PEA has laid out specific criteria for exemption from electricity disconnection, though it clarifies that this does not exempt users from paying their electricity bills. To qualify for this exemption, electricity users must register at their local PEA office. The registration process requires the submission of several documents, including the national ID card of the electricity user, the patient's national ID card or a copy, and a medical certificate from a hospital not older than one month stating the necessity for electricity.

Additionally, proof of the electricity usage location is needed, such as an electricity bill, electricity purchase agreement, or a copy of the house registration certificate. If someone is acting on behalf of the electricity user, proof of identity for both parties must be provided. The PEA also reserves the right to inspect electricity usage sites and mandates that users register annually by January 31st to maintain their exemption status.

The PEA has also outlined conditions under which the exemption can be revoked. These include having an overdue electricity bill for three months, detection of misconduct or electricity breach, providing false information, or failing to notify the PEA within 30 days if the patient no longer needs the equipment. This policy aims to ensure that those who genuinely need continuous power supply for medical purposes are supported while maintaining the integrity of the electricity system.