The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) (Abrv: กฟภ. ;, ) is a Thai state enterprise under the Ministry of Interior. Established on 28 September 1960 by the Provincial Electricity Authority Act 1960 (BE 2503,[1] it is currently headed by Chayabol Thitisak.[2] PEA is responsible for providing electricity in 74 provinces in Thailand—all except Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Nonthaburi)—which are served by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority.
History
The first town electricity system installed outside Bangkok was in Nakhon Pathom City in 1930. In 1934, the Provincial Electricity Division was set up. After World War II, a royal decree replaced the division and formed the Provincial Electricity Organisation on 16 March 1954. The PEA was then established on 28 September 1960 by the Provincial Electricity Authority Act 1960. Following the Third National Social and Economic Development Plan (1972-1975), and significantly increased electricity demand, the PEA saw rapid expansion throughout the provinces of Thailand. All provinces, districts and subdistricts in Thailand became electrified after fiscal year 1989.[3]