Power cables to Samui, Pha-ngan

Padung Banjongsilp, deputy governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority, and other executives led members of the press, top officials from Samui and Pha-ngan islands and the president of the Tourism and Hospitality Association to observe the laying of 115-kilovolt cables from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Samui in Surat Thani.

The demand for electricity in Samui has risen to 100MW, and in order to fulfil this, a third circuit has been set up along with a new substation. So far, 37.5 kilometres of the 54km cable has already been laid, and it is expected that after the substation goes into operation in March, it will be able to produce 200MW of electricity - meeting demand in both islands for at least 10 years.

PEA is spending Bt4 billion on this project, which comes under the government's policy to improve the quality of life in the islands, boost tourism and prepare the country for the launch of the Asean Economic Community.

PEA started providing power from a diesel generator to Samui since 1961. In 1987, in order to meet rising demand, the PEA laid 23km of cable to supply another 33KV of electricity to the island.

Then in 1995, the PEA set up its first circuit producing 115KV, before setting up a second circuit and building two substations, which have provided a reliable supply to Samui.