Thailand has seen a drop in energy consumption of one percent over the past four months, said Zhang Shuncai, Department Head of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). This drop in energy consumption correlates directly to the current economic situation. There is a chance for a further decrease to 2 percent by the end of the year if political instabilities continue. 

EGAT plans to continue to promote the use of energy efficient LED luminaires to the general public and estimates that the government will control retail price tube lights at around THB $120-130 (US $3.7-$3.99) each. 

Thailand’s economy dipped during the first quarter of this year and energy consumption followed suit, said Zhang. It is hoped that the government will stabilize over the remaining months of this year, and the economy rebounds. At the same time, the EGAT continues to actively promote energy efficient LED luminaires, as well as increase power efficiency and reach efficient energy conservation.

The use of LED tube lights can increase energy efficiency by 50-70 percent. Through communication with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), the Thailand Energy Conservation Fund will be used to encourage the general public to use LED tubes. The government will be controlling LED tube retail prices and keeping it at THB $120-130 per tube. There are currently around 820,000 LED tubes that already have received the national no. 5 standard certification. With government department promotion, it is estimated that LED tube usage will increase, and save even more energy. 

The EGAT no. 5 standard certification for electrical appliance energy efficiency has already been in effect for 20 years, and has saved a total of 30 megawatts of power, which is equivalent to saving THB $100 billion in new power station investments.