Governing the Power Sector

The Thai power sector is dominated by three government-owned enterprises—EGAT, MEA, and PEA—which has resulted in limited competition and systemic inefficiencies. While supply security is stable, the current governance allows utilities to pass unfair costs, such as 'Take-or-Pay' contract burdens, to consumers. Additionally, the sector faces significant social conflicts stemming from the environmental and livelihood impacts of power plants, coal mining, and gas infrastructure projects.

• Since the 1970s, the Thai power sector has been controlled by three state-owned entities: the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) handles generation and transmission, while the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) manage distribution and retail for Greater Bangkok and other regions, respectively.
• Despite stable supply security, the sector suffers from inefficiencies, including a tariff structure that shifts unfair costs to consumers—such as those from gas supply errors or 'Take-or-Pay' contracts—and limited generation competition caused by EGAT's monopoly.
• Power plant operations, coal mining, and gas exploration/pipeline projects have caused substantial environmental and livelihood impacts, leading to severe social conflicts regarding new projects.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Governing the Power Sector. https://www.wri.org/research/governing-power-sector

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Governing the Power Sector. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/governing-power-sector.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Governing the Power Sector |url=https://www.wri.org/research/governing-power-sector |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendgoverning, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Governing the Power Sector}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/governing-power-sector}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }