May 13, 2003 - Twenty two members and representatives of EPPO’s Energy Conservation Fund Committee visited Tambon Hor-Krai, Ampur Bangmoonnak, Changwat Pichit for the final public hearing before approving a subsidy grant to A.T. Biopower’s rice husk power plant project in that province. The morning session started out with a report from Dr. Thawat Watanatada, ATB’s chief executive officer, on the project and its objectives, which was followed by a summary of environmental impact mitigation measures presented by ATB engineers. Our community relations team later presented the results of public hearings and opinion surveys conducted in the area within the 10-km radius of the project site. The survey results suggest that the general public agrees with the construction of the power plant The ENCON Fund members and representatives also talked with the provincial and local authorities, including village headmen and community leaders to gauge the local sentiment in the area.

They spent the afternoon visiting local residents to gain first-hand information on their opinion towards the project. The day was a success owing to the cooperation of both the authorities and local residents.