New participants in the direct PPA scheme are classified as 'special electricity users', with separate tariff calculations from those for general factories, says Mr Poonpat.
Authorities are preparing to broaden the pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA) programme, initially designed for data centre operators, to include a wider range of industries seeking clean energy solutions.The move comes as authorities aim to accelerate the country's energy transition and strengthen competitiveness in global trade.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Board of Investment are jointly considering the expansion following approval by the National Energy Policy Council.
Speaking at the 2026 Huawei Thailand Digital & AI Summit yesterday, ERC secretary-general Poonpat Leesombatpiboon said the direct PPA framework must be redesigned to accommodate diverse industries with varying cost structures and energy demands.
Under the pilot scheme, data centres were the first businesses allowed to bypass Thailand's prohibition on peer-to-peer power trading, enabling them to purchase electricity directly from producers.
