The Energy Ministry will work towards being more transparent and improving its reputation after politicians jockeyed for control in recent weeks, says newly installed Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong.
Sontirat: Licences won't be favours
"This ministry is perceived as having value for politicians, who can benefit from controlling energy policies," Mr Sontirat said.
He said the Energy Ministry will be monitored and all work traced because energy is one of the core engines driving the economy.
"People cannot just benefit from this ministry and each granted project and licence will not be a favour to anyone," Mr Sontirat said.
Before the coalition government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was set up, many politicians from various parties competed to be the energy minister.
Mr Sontirat said the energy and power sectors should be driven by price management.
Low-income earners and small companies have to be the top priority groups for support measures.
"When low-income people are not capable of purchasing electricity and fuel, the ministry has a duty to help them access it," he said.
The energy sector is central to the cost of living and business operations, so the ministry should intervene regarding high energy costs, said Mr Sontirat.
Low-income people have state welfare smartcards to subsidise their electricity and fuel expenses. The smartcard was initiated by the former government, also under Gen Prayut's administration.
For biofuels, Mr Sontirat said the ministry will continue its biodiesel plan to absorb recurring crude palm oil surpluses.
The crude palm oil surplus during 2017-18 was 3-3.5 million tonnes.
The surplus volume can be absorbed by increasing the methyl ester content from crude palm oil in biodiesel.
"The ministry will consider the next steps for B10 and B20 soon. B20 is expected to become widespread for commercial vehicles, while B10 is still mandated as the fundamental diesel, replacing B7," he said.
In addition, the ministry will review the national power development plan (PDP) for 2018-37 with relevant state agencies, said Mr Sontirat.
"I will oversee whether the current plan can be carried out or needs to be revised again," he said.
A source from the ministry said energy and power companies want the government to revise the PDP as the plan narrows business opportunities for renewable energy, which is designed to be a small-scale investment.