What with the coronavirus outbreak, we are certainly living in an unusual time in history. As one illustration, for many of us, our electricity bills this month were a lot higher than usual because of the work-from-home policy that has spurred home consumption of a significant amount of extra electricity. Moreover, this being the summer, people are suffering from the heat and scorching sun, so they cannot resist turning on the air-conditioning. Meanwhile, we are using more water while we stay at home instead of going to the office, the gym, cafés and department stores.
Needless to say, in the pre-COVID-19 era, we commuted to work, went outside to shop and exercise and hung out in coffee shops till late before going home. These days, we spend much more time indoors at home, which can up to triple the amount of water and electricity we consume.
In response to this, the Energy Ministry, major government agencies and authorities, including the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA), decided to cut their charges in accordance with government policy.
Electricity
Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 21 April, relief measures for electricity consumption were adopted that are applicable retroactively and for three months through May 2020. Sontirat Sontijirawong, Energy Minister, revealed that the measures will cost state coffers 23.68 billion baht in lost revenue but will bring relief to some 22 million households nationwide.
Prior to the meeting, Chaturon Suriyasin, Assistant Governor of the MEA and MEA spokesman, explained that the MEA introduced measures to help reduce people’s spending, as follows:
1) Reducing electricity bills by 3% for all categories of electricity users from April to June 2020, totalling three months.
2) Extending a bill payment grace period of six months to hotel and rental business users for their April and May 2020 electricity bills.
3) Refunding electricity meter deposits for residential and small business users through registration at https://measy.mea.or.th.
4) Delaying the minimum electricity charge for medium-to-large business and hotel users from April to June 2020.
5) Increasing free electricity usage for residential users with power meters of no more than 5 amps (Category 1.1) from 50 to 90 units per month from April until June 2020.
6) Extending a bill payment grace period of six months to residential users with power meters of no more than 5 amps (Category 1.1) for their April, May and June 2020 electricity bills.
Moreover, for electricity bills from March to May 2020, the resolutions of the Cabinet meeting on 21 April 2020 include free electricity for households with a power meter of no more than 5 amps in all areas under all energy authorities. For households with a power meter over 5 amps, the benefits are as follows:
1) For consumption up to 800 units per month, the amount exceeding the February 2020 electricity usage is free of charge.
2) For consumption over 800 but not exceeding 3,000 units per month, the amount exceeding the February 2020 electricity usage is subject to 50% discount.
3) For consumption over 3,000 units per month, the amount exceeding the February 2020 electricity usage is subject to 30% discount.
Water
The MWA will open online registration for consumers to request refund of their water meter deposits, starting 1 May 2020.
Prinya Yamasamit, MWA Governor, revealed that, in light of the spread of the COVID-19 and in accordance with government policy and the Ministry of Interior, the MWA also has measures to alleviate people’s suffering and help reduce the cost of water consumption in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.
The main measure is to return the water meter deposit for type 1 water users in residences, including apartments and rental rooms, and juristic persons, who have paid the deposit. Those who register for this refund must be the same person who paid the water meter deposit as documented. Eligibility check and registration service is available online at www.mwa.co.th.
In addition to the refund, the MWA announced it would reduce water bills by 3% for users in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan for three months, from May to July 2020.
Nevertheless, people are still advised not to simply consume as much electricity and water as they please. The authorities advise turning air-conditioning to 26- 27 degree Celsius and using it together with fans. Also avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer frequently.
So let’s hang in there together. This, too, shall pass!
