Early rain has reduced Thailand's power consumption in the hot season and the Energy Policy and Planning Office expects the 2008 peak demand to be lower than last year's.

The 2008 peak was recorded on April 21 at 22,568 megawatts, close to last year's peak of 22,586.

Viraphol Jirapraditkul, director-general of the department, said annual demand this year should be lower than the forecast of 158,994MW.

"Rain has come earlier than expected. Moreover, high oil prices and the faltering economy are also encouraging the public to cut their power consumption," he said.

Viraphol said power demand had been rising at a lower rate due to high oil prices. Both individual and industrial users have adjusted their behaviour. A campaign for energy-saving equipment has been successful.

In the first quarter, Thailand consumed 36,732MW, up 3.85 per cent from the same period last year.