EGAT has estimated that this year’s electricity consumption will increase by 5 percent

BANGKOK, 16 February 2011 (NNT) – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has estimated that this year’s electricity consumption will increase by 5 percent from 2010 while the Ft charge may rise due to the soaring oil prices.

EGAT Governor Suthat Pattamasiriwat indicated that the electricity usage of this whole year would likely move on an uptrend in line with the economic recovery. An increase of 5 percent year-on-year is expected in the overall power consumption. Given the economic growth projection of 3.5-4.5 percent, the peak electricity demand might climb 5.5 percent, and the demand in the energy sector might also expand by 4.2 percent.

In addition, Mr Suthat expressed worries over the skyrocketing oil prices in the global market, which recently surpassed 90 USD per barrel and is likely to touch 100 USD soon as a result of political tensions in many countries. The Governor explained that the expensive fuel could contribute to a rise in the price of natural gas, which is used in electricity generation, and eventually lead to a hike in the Ft charge on people’s electricity bills.