Deputy Director Phol Khawnnui explained that Egat has a project to lay a 500kV cable from Jombung in Ratchaburi via Bang Sapan and Surat Thani to Phuket.
This would be completed in 2019, he said. “But before that date the system we have today will not be sufficient to meet demand.”
To bridge the gap, he said, Egat proposes to lay a B1.6 billion 230 kV cable from Krabi via Phang Nga to Phuket, which could meet future demand and which could be completed by next year.
But, he explained, laying of the temporary cable could be delayed by the requirement to get the correct construction permits before work can start.
He therefore requested Gov Nisit to allow Egat to begin work while waiting for the construction permits so the project can be completed soon enough to meet the future needs of Phuket.
Gov Nisit, however, insisted that all processes be done properly.
“They told me that the project must be finished by 2018 or there will be a shortage of power in Phuket,” he said.
“But the environmental impact assessment (EIA) has not yet been approved. I understand that it is a matter of some urgency, and Egat has sent [the EIA] to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
“I believe that important projects such as this will get an EIA result soon, and there should not be any problem as the cable line will be installed beneath the existing power lines around the island.”
He said he would hold another meeting with Egat representatives around the end of January to discuss details and any problems that might slow down the project.