Look Out Koh Larn, Samui Short of Electricity

Frequent scheduled blackouts are the order of the day during peak hours 1800 to 2200 and island authorities recognise it will not get better as long as hotel capacity grows faster than public utilities.

Manager Online reported last week that the Samui Island Regional Electricity Authority announced  power cuts would be scheduled for the remainder of the month.

According to REA, power capacity on the island is only 90 megawatts, while consumption exceeds 105 megawatts. Blackouts although staggered by districts are far from ideal for hotels that are forced to rely on generators to provide minimal power to run essential light and refrigeration.

Authorities say a new marine cable  will be laid from Khanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat to the island, but it will not be completed until early of next year.

TTR Weekly filed further questions on the power shortage and the impact it could have on tourism on the island.

Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter-East Coast president, Ruengnam Chaikwang responded: “The shortage is manageable and should not deter tourism as four and five-star hotels use generators when there are blackouts.”

“Smaller hotels and residences on the island that are not so well equipped will face blackouts of around 45 minutes to one hour.

“Tourists are informed ahead of time and last year’s blackout didn’t impact on tourism very much at all.”

Mr Ruengnam added that 19 hotels were cooperating with the REA to help produce supplementary electric power during peak time so that they can keep blackout to a minimum.

Power cuts are being monitored closely by REA, based on power consumption and announcements are made ahead of time through http://www.nathoncity.com. Tel: 667 7421 100.