Thailand-
The Thai Government, in conjunction with the Thai Energy Regulatory Commission, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority, have taken steps to give discounts on electricity bills to an estimated 22 million homes during the Covid-19 crisis.
Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong described the details around the plan this week to the press. The plan is significantly more appealing to the public, based on social media reaction, than a previous three percent blanket discount given to all that was widely ridiculed by many citizens.
The measures will be in place for three months, March, April and May.
The measures are designed for households at this time, not businesses. However, the Energy Ministry is considering requests by businesses for electric discounts as well.
For households with a power meter of less than 5 amps, electric will be free. This is expected to be about ten million homes.
For households with a power meter over 5 amps, if their consumption does not exceed 800 units , they will pay as much as they did in their February bill. Any amount over 800 units will be subject to a 50% discount.
Additionally, large homes and houses will be subject to a 30% discount if they consume over 3,000 units monthly.
The Pattaya News notes that as electric bills for March arrive at households many residents of Thailand have been complaining on social media that their bills were significantly higher than usual. Debate has arisen on if this is due to substantial time at home or confusion on how discounted rates are applied.
Was your electric bill higher than usual last month? Tell us in the comments below.
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