Three Agencies Cooperate on Development of Thailand’s Electricity System

BANGKOK, August 23 (TNA) - The Energy Ministry has cooperated with three state-run agencies responsible for electricity production and supply to develop Thailand’s electricity system to cater for the launching of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) late this year, said Thawarat Sutabutr, director-general of Energy Ministry’s Energy Policy and Planning Office. Mr. Thawarat said the Office had established a working committee responsible for conducting a study, making an analysis, setting guidelines and prepare a policy to develop the country’s electricity system with those agencies including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) , the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). In his capacity as head of the working committee, Mr. Thawarat said that EGAT would improve the transmission system of 500- kilovolt of electricity nationwide to cater for ASEAN power connection. It is due to complete in 2023. On the part of MEA, an aerial electricity wire would be changed to an underground system at a total distance of 261.6 kilometres. The 10-year change began last year, he said. The PEA is responsible for developing electricity system during the first phase of the government-sponsored special economic zones along the Thai border with neighbouring countries, he said. Six border areas are set during the first phase. Demand for electricity is expected to increase after the completion of special economic development areas, he added. (TNA)