ERC Revises Community Solar Farm Rules Due to 3 Major Issues

Thansettakij•Economy•2h ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Energy Regulatory Commission is reassessing community solar farm guidelines due to three core concerns, including potential constitutional conflicts and equitable benefit distribution.

•The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is revising the 'Community Solar Farm' project criteria due to significant issues.
•Key concerns include the distribution of benefits, project selection methods, and ensuring fairness across all areas.
•Potential legal conflicts, such as reducing electricity tariffs for specific communities, are under review.
•The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) is discussing revisions with regulators and EPPO, confirming the project will proceed with adjusted conditions.

Overview

•The 'Community Solar Farm' project criteria are under review by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
•The review is due to 3 major issues, including the distribution of benefits to the public and fairness across all areas.
•The project aims to address concerns of benefit concentration in specific communities.
•The ERC is currently drafting announcement regulations for the 'Community Solar Farm' project and accepting public opinions.
•Draft regulations are expected to be completed by the end of May 2026.
•An official invitation to apply for the project will be announced in June 2026.
•A previous report indicated the project cannot proceed due to potential constitutional conflicts regarding tariff reductions for specific communities.
•Another issue identified is the limited operational areas to only those under the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), excluding the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA).

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Key Quotes

Nantika Thangsuphanich

"Currently, the community solar farm matter has been returned to the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE). We have to wait and see how it will proceed."

ปัจจุบันเรื่องโซลาร์ฟาร์มชุมชนถูกตีกลับมาที่กรมพัฒนาพลังงานทดแทนและอนุรักษ์พลังงาน (พพ.) ซึ่งต้องรอดูว่าจะมีการดำเนินงานต่ออย่างไร

Nantika Thangsuphanich

"The current step is still under discussion with the regulator and the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) on how to proceed. Some conditions may need to be adjusted, but the community farm project will continue."

ขั้นตอนปัจจุบันกำลังอยู่ระหว่างการหารือกับหน่วยงานที่กำกับดูแล หรือเรกูเลเตอร์ (Regulator) และสำนักงานนโยบายและแผนพลังงาน (สนพ.) ว่าจะดำเนินการอย่างไรต่อไป ซึ่งอาจจะต้องมีการปรับเงื่อนไขบางส่วน โดยยืนยันว่าโครงการฟาร์มชุมชนจะยังคงเดินหน้าต่อไป

Key Entities

Organization

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)(กกพ.)ℹ️

The regulatory body overseeing the energy sector, currently revising criteria for the 'Community Solar Farm' project.

Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE)(กรมพัฒนาพลังงานทดแทนและอนุรักษ์พลังงาน (พพ.))ℹ️

The department that has received the 'Community Solar Farm' project back for further review and consideration.

Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO)(สำนักงานนโยบายและแผนพลังงาน (สนพ.))ℹ️

An office involved in discussions with the DEDE and regulators regarding the future steps for the 'Community Solar Farm' project.

Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA)(การไฟฟ้าส่วนภูิภาค (กฟภ.))ℹ️

The electricity provider whose operational areas are currently specified for the 'Community Solar Farm' project.

Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA)(การไฟฟ้านครหลวง (กฟน.))ℹ️

The electricity provider whose operational areas are currently excluded from the 'Community Solar Farm' project, a point of contention.

Person

Mr. Poolpat Leesombatpaiboon(นายพูลพัฒน์ ลีสมบัติไพบูลย์)

Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), providing an update on the 'Community Solar Farm' policy review.

Mrs. Nantika Thangsuphanich(นางนันธิกา ทังสุพานิช)

Director-General of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), commenting on the current status and future discussions of the 'Community Solar Farm' project.

Timeline

May 2026(พฤษภาคม 2026)

The expected completion date for the draft regulations of the 'Community Solar Farm' project.

this June(มิถุนายนนี้)

The timeframe for the official announcement and invitation to participate in the 'Community Solar Farm' project.