Bangkok: The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has recently streamlined the registration process for energy businesses that are exempt from needing an electricity business license. This move aims to simplify, expedite, and enhance convenience for business operators involved in either their own energy business or electricity distribution.
According to Thai News Agency, the ERC has resolved to cancel the previous announcement regarding the process of receiving notifications from energy businesses exempted from applying for a power generation license. Dr. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the ERC and its spokesperson, outlined the categories of exempt energy businesses that must still notify the ERC of their operations.
The first category includes electricity generation businesses with a total capacity of less than 200 kilovolt-amperes, which do not require a license to produce controlled energy (Por Kor. 2). For these businesses, if they connect to the grid of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), they can request an inspection and design connection through EGAT's system. This request serves as notification of their exempt status, and EGAT will send the information to the ERC Office for electronic notification and public listing on the ERC's website.
For businesses that connect to non-EGAT grids, operators can submit notification requests through the ERC's system online. The ERC will process these requests within five days upon receiving all necessary documents and will update the exempt business list on its website.
The second category encompasses electricity generation businesses with a capacity ranging from 200 to 1,000 kilovolt-amperes, which must apply for a controlled energy production license (Por Kor. 2). For those connected to the EGAT grid, the notification process is similar, with the addition that operators must submit a controlled energy production license application (Por Kor. 1) to the ERC. This application aids in securing an opinion from the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Conservation for the issuance of a Por Kor. 2 license.
For connections to non-EGAT grids, operators follow a similar online notification process and apply for a controlled energy production license. The ERC will announce results within five days of receiving all documentation.
This regulatory update demonstrates EGAT's commitment to reducing barriers and enabling easier access to the energy system, particularly for entrepreneurs and solar energy groups. The transition to an electronic system aims to uphold safety and transparency standards while supporting sustainable energy development.