The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) remains hopeful a last-minute cut to the new power tariff, slated to take effect in less than two weeks, can help businesses and households cope with energy bills as authorities meet on Friday to review the rate.

The FTI views this as a "crucial decision" by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government to reduce the rate of 4.77 baht per kilowatt-hour (unit), proposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), said Isares Rattanadilok na Phuket, vice-chairman of the FTI.