State-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) estimates electricity output and imports this year to rise by 1.68% to 195.16 billion kilowatt hour (KWH), from 191.93 billion KWH last year, due to a extended hot season and positive socio-economic factors.
Egat governor, Boonyanit Wongrukmit, said the increase is based on assumptions that power demand will be driven by exports, which are expected to grow, and more vaccinated people.
The hot season this year extended into June and July, too, leading to greater use of air conditioners.
Power demand is expected to grow this year after a 3% decline in 2019, Mr Boonyanit said.
A positive sign was seen in the first half of this year when demand for electricity grew by 0.63%, compared with a contraction of 12.35% in the same period last year.
During peak hours on April 3, power demand rose by 5.23% to 30,135 megawatts (MW), from 28,637MW during the peak hour period last year.
In another development, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Monday announced 95 qualified investors that will participate in the 'Energy For All' renewable power scheme.
'Energy For All' was introduced in late 2019 to encourage businesses and communities to jointly invest in biomass and biogas-based power generation projects but it has faced several delays, including the pandemic and a need to redesign the scheme to best suit the sluggish economy.
The power generation capacity of the scheme is set at 150MW in the first phase.
Technical details of project proposals from the applicants were examined and screened by the ERC.
The commission will announce approvals of proposals on benefit sharing in the projects in September.
Power purchase agreement contracts are set to be signed in December.
All projects will be carried out in areas overseen by the Provincial Electricity Authority, exlcuding Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.