The cabinet is to consider four measures, proposed by the Energy Ministry, to help low-income earners, small and medium-sized enterprises weather economic hardship, weighed down by COVID-19.

Endorsed by the Energy Policy Management Committee, the four measures include a 3,000 baht refund to each household which paid the 3,000 baht insurance fee for installation of each electricity meter.  There are about 21.5 million households and small business enterprises which have paid the fee.

Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said today that about 30 billion baht will be needed for the meter refund scheme, adding that the second measure is to freeze the electricity charge for households at 3.50 baht per unit for three months.

The third measure calls for a six month extension of power charge payments for households, SMEs and hotels for the months of April and May.

The proposed measure to provide a 1,000-baht/month handout to low-income earners for two consecutive months has been scrapped by the Prime Minister.