Thailand: Electricity system endorsed

Thailand: Electricity system endorsed

The cabinet yesterday approved the electricity system development project in
big cities at an investment cost of 11.6 billion baht. The move is aimed at
accommodating new technologies to be applied in local economic development.

Kobsak Phutrakul, assistant minister to the Prime Minister's Office, said
the project overseen by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) will
primarily be assigned to the municipalities of Chiang Mai, Nakhon
Ratchasima, Pattaya and Hat Yai.

The four municipalities were chosen mainly because of their high tourism
potential.

The development is expected to be complete by 2021.

Of the total investment, 8.74 billion baht will come from borrowing, with
the remaining 2.92 billion to be funded with revenue from the PEA.

The PEA reported that the investment would create energy security, reduce
power blackouts and lay the groundwork for high technology, which will be
used for local economic development, said Mr Kobsak.

The development will also help improve the landscape of each municipality,
as the power grids will be put underground.

Mr Kobsak said the government also plans to extend the development to eight
other big cities.

The PEA was told to consult the National Economic and Social Development
Board about the next phase and to select appropriate cities.

"The other eight cities should be ones that have the highest potential for
local economic development and offer a chance for the PEA to join the
project," said Mr Kobsak.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1198641/electricity-system-endorsed

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com