Shopping centre operators want the government to subsidise investment in energy-saving facilities, to help reduce electricity demand and bolster the country's energy security.
Siam Square executives shown the renovated shopping centre to the media prior to its reopening on Jan 9, 2013. Bangkok Post file photo.
Naris Cheyklin, president of Thai Shopping Centres Association, said on Thursday his members began taking energy saving seriously after learning of the looming Myanmar gas shortfall for power generation in April, when annual maintenance will choke the supply .
The association has 74 members nationwide, who could save 5-10% on their energy bills, or about one billion baht combined, through measures such as turning off lights in some areas and adjusting the air conditioning temperature
Mr Naris said the government should also build walkways from mass transit stations to shopping centres to make it more convenient for shoppers, so they do not need to use their own cars. This would also help to reduce traffic on the roads.