The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainability in the metropolis on the SX TALK STAGE at SUSTAINABILITY EXPO (SX2025), ASEAN's largest sustainability exposition. The agency revealed concrete innovations and measures to reduce environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for city dwellers. The session was honored by the presence of Mr. Pitsanu Tuntitavorn, MEA Deputy Governor of Corporate Strategy and Sustainability, who spoke on the topic of “Green in Process: Towards a Livable, Modern, and Safe City.” The discussion was moderated by Wannasingh Prasertkul, an environmental activist and documentary filmmaker.
Under its vision, “Energy for the Metropolitan Way of Life,” MEA, as a distributor rather than a producer of electricity, emphasized its crucial role as a "logistics provider for electricity." The organization is focused on minimizing the environmental impact of energy transmission, underscoring that the energy transition is fundamental to all aspects of sustainability.
Upgrading the Distribution System: Moving Cables Underground for Aesthetics and Stability
Mr. Pitsanu Tuntitavorn stated, “A key initiative is our project to move electrical cables underground, which is part of reducing our environmental impact. This has had a clear positive effect on the city's landscape, allowing roadside trees to grow beautifully.”
MEA has been continuously implementing the underground cable project in key areas, particularly in business districts and along electric train lines such as Silom, Siam, Ploenchit, and through to Chatuchak. To date, nearly 80% of the network in the central business district has been completed. The next goal is to expand the underground network to cover over 300 kilometers within its entire service area.
Furthermore, MEA addressed a common public misconception, clarifying that the tangled overhead lines often mistaken for "power lines" are actually "communication lines." MEA recognizes this issue and is collaborating with the NBTC and telecom operators to organize these lines, even though it falls outside its direct authority.
Promoting Clean Energy Innovation with a Focus on Safety Standards
Beyond infrastructure improvements, MEA is actively promoting clean energy for the public, especially by supporting the installation of Solar Rooftops on urban households. This not only saves energy but also generates Green Energy.
As electrical experts, MEA stressed its vital role in establishing installation standards and safety protocols. The organization provides knowledge, conducts inspections, and issues standards to ensure public safety, as the unsafe use of clean energy can pose significant risks. This role extends to setting standards for the installation of EV Chargers in residences, which are growing in popularity. MEA is also helping to drive the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) by installing charging stations with various partners.
Developing the City in 4 Dimensions: Livable, Modern, Safe, and Convenient
MEA has defined its urban development vision across four dimensions: 1) Livable, 2) Modern, 3) Safe, and 4) Convenient.
Services have been developed to align with this vision. For example, the MEA Smart Life application allows the public to conduct transactions without traveling to an MEA office. This online service is a form of "convenience plus green," as it reduces travel-related pollution and paper usage.
Behind the scenes, MEA has continuously improved its operations over 30 years. This includes modernizing its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) power control system with AI and using Low Loss equipment in the distribution network. This reduces energy loss that would otherwise dissipate as heat, resulting in a better environment and greater cost-efficiency. As Bangkok and its three surrounding provinces consume up to 30% of the nation's electricity, MEA's operational efficiency is crucial for the country's image.
Sustainability: From Consciousness to Co-Creating a Green Society
From MEA's perspective, sustainability means enabling the city and its people to coexist sustainably for the long term. The organization prioritizes not only its "Green in Process" operational principles but also the social dimension.
MEA believes that environmental consciousness is the foundation. If all personnel possess this mindset, resource use will be minimized. However, MEA acknowledges that consciousness alone is not enough. Sustainability must be driven by a "Hard Side"—mechanisms like laws and incentives from the public and private sectors—in conjunction with the "Soft Side" of public awareness.
Additionally, MEA is involved in community development, safety enhancement, and creating green spaces. An example of an integrated environmental and social initiative is the "Pak Tao" project in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy and the mangrove reforestation project at Phra Chulachomklao Fort.
Learning Together for the Future
Participating in SX2025 is a significant opportunity for MEA to help stimulate environmental consciousness in Thai society. Events like this serve as a platform to exchange experiences and learn sustainable practices from other organizations ("copy and develop"). MEA views sustainability not as optional, but as a must-do to ensure the long-term viability of our world.
