Is the Home Electricity Bill Different Between PEA and MEA? Answer: The Same Rate Nationwide (2026)
If you live in the provinces you may wonder: "Is my home electricity more expensive than in Bangkok?" The short answer is no — the home rates of the PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority) and MEA (Metropolitan Electricity Authority) are identical, every unit and every baht, because the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) sets one national price. The only thing that differs is the service AREA. This page explains which authority you're under, what actually differs, and how the bill is exactly the same.
The home electricity rate is the same nationwide for the PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority, the provinces) and the MEA (Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Bangkok) — the per-unit price, the monthly service charge, the TOU rates and the Ft are identical to the baht — because the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) sets one national rate structure, not each authority pricing on its own. The only thing that differs is the service AREA: the MEA covers 3 provinces (Bangkok / Nonthaburi / Samut Prakan), while the PEA covers the other 74 provinces of the country. So living in the provinces does NOT make your bill more expensive than Bangkok. To see the full home rate table (identical for PEA and MEA), start here.
Which Area Does MEA Cover? — Just 3 Provinces
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) supplies power to only 3 provinces — Bangkok and part of its immediate ring — with 18 district offices across this area. If your home is in one of these 3 provinces, you're an MEA customer. Hotline 1130.
Which Area Does PEA Cover? — The Other 74 Provinces
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) supplies every remaining province in the country (74 provinces) — everywhere that is NOT Bangkok / Nonthaburi / Samut Prakan. If your home is in the provinces (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Phuket, or anywhere outside the 3 provinces above), you're a PEA customer, hotline 1129 — and your home bill is the same as a Bangkok resident's, to the baht.
So Which Authority Am I Under?
A simple rule decides it instantly: address in Bangkok / Nonthaburi / Samut Prakan → you're an MEA customer, call 1130 · address anywhere else → you're a PEA customer, call 1129. The surest check is to read the authority name printed on your electricity bill or meter (a few outer suburban sub-districts sit on the boundary edge, so trust the name on your bill). Whichever authority you're under, the home rate is the same — only the logo, the hotline and the office you visit differ.
Is the Bill Really the Same? PEA vs MEA Side by Side
Comparing the main components of the home bill (Type 1.2, over 150 units/month) shows every cell matches — these are energy charges before Ft and VAT, which are added equally to both authorities (this is not the full table — see every tier at the link below):
| Component | MEA | PEA | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly service charge (1.2) | 24.62 THB | 24.62 THB | Same |
| Tier 0–150 units | 3.2484 THB/unit | 3.2484 THB/unit | Same |
| Tier 151–400 units | 4.2218 THB/unit | 4.2218 THB/unit | Same |
| Tier 401+ units | 4.4217 THB/unit | 4.4217 THB/unit | Same |
| TOU on-peak / off-peak (home) | 5.7982 / 2.6369 THB | 5.7982 / 2.6369 THB | Same |
| Ft (May–Aug 2026) | 0.1623 THB/unit | 0.1623 THB/unit | Same |
Every cell matches because the ERC sets one national price. These are the core energy charges, before Ft and 7% VAT, which are added equally to both authorities. To see every tier and a full worked bill, see the normal home rate table 2026 and the TOU day/night rates (also identical for both authorities).
Wasn't PEA's Service Charge Once Higher?
It was, historically — some old web pages still show the PEA monthly service charge (Type 1.2 / TOU) at 38.22 THB, which is outdated. The ERC (resolution 51/2565) cut this charge to 24.62 THB, equal for both MEA and PEA, effective the January 2023 (2566) billing cycle (a 13.60 THB reduction). So today the monthly service charge of both authorities is exactly the same. If you see 38.22 anywhere, it's pre-2023 data.
Why Do the PEA and MEA Rate Sheets Look Slightly Different?
If you open both authorities' rate sheets side by side, you may notice the household TOU class is named slightly differently: the MEA calls it low-voltage < 12 kV (class 1.3.2), while the PEA calls it low-voltage < 22 kV (class 1.2.2). This is only a naming convention reflecting each grid's distribution-voltage level — it does NOT make the price differ. A normal house (single-phase 230 V) falls under the low-voltage class in both, and is charged the same rate (on-peak 5.7982 / off-peak 2.6369 / service 24.62 THB). In short: different label, same price.
Contact Your Authority (MEA 1130 / PEA 1129)
For bill questions, a new meter, moving a meter, an outage, or a rate query, contact the authority that covers your area: MEA — call 1130 for Bangkok/Nonthaburi/Samut Prakan · PEA — call 1129 for every other province. For nationwide rate policy and the Ft charge, see the ERC (erc.or.th). All figures on this page follow official announcements and can change each Ft period — always verify the latest with your local authority first.
About this page
Compiled by the CapSolar team, led by Frank Lee (Founder). The rate and service-area information is checked against the MEA's official tariff page and ERC announcements. This page is general information for understanding, not personal advice; exact rates and charges follow the utilities' announcements and can change each Ft period. Confirm with your local authority (MEA 1130 / PEA 1129 / erc.or.th) before deciding.
FAQ
PEA or MEA, the rate is the same — solar cuts the units you buy
Since every authority charges the same rate, the real way to cut your bill is to reduce the units you buy from the grid. CapSolar will assess for free whether solar pays off for your home or building.