In 1993, Thailand initiated a US$189 million demand-side management (DSM) program to help curb growth in electricity demand and promote more energy-efficient equipment and cost-effective energy services within the country. Since then, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s (EGAT) DSM office has developed a strong portfolio of DSM measures, including 19 DSM programs targeting a wide range of sub-sectors and end-uses, and substantially surpassed its original peak reduction and energy conservation targets. EGAT has created substantial public awareness of energy conservation and actively promoted private sector participation in providing such services. Additionally, EGAT’s DSM office has been recognized internationally for its success in designing DSM programs that fit within an Asian context as well as its innovation and partnerships with other agencies.

While the overall program results have been positive, EGAT has had limited impacts in certain areas and experienced a number of implementation issues, many of which are now being resolved. This paper examines the creation of Thailand’s DSM Program, discusses programs and results to date, offers analyses and lessons learned from the program and discusses future prospects for DSM programs in Thailand and elsewhere.

Authors: Jas Singh and Carol Mulholland

Note: This report is one part of the Asia Sustainable and Alternative Energy Program (ASTAE), which is written for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).