Power shortage likely in 2 years

Water supply lack in four years, too.

AUTHORITIES are gearing up for acute power and water shortages on the island. The demand for electricity within the next two years is expected to rise substantially to a point where current supply may not be enough, while the current water supply will satisfy demand only up to 2012.

Suratthani Gov. Vinai Baupradit has met with local officials of Koh Samui to discuss a plan for preventing a possible power shortage on the island.

Among those who participated in the meeting were officials from Koh Samui municipality, District Office, Administration Organization of Koh Samui, Koh Samui Tourism Association and Provincial Electric Authority.

Discussions focused on a proposed project to put up a second power station in Maenam subdistrict for additional power distribution.

However, this will require several 22-meter-high electric posts to connect a 36-kilometer-long cable running from Ban Phangka, Hua Thanon, Lamai, Chaweng to Maenam.

At present, Samui sources its electricity supply from a power station in Khanom district, Nakhon Srithammarat province, which is 24 kilometers from Samui; power is transferred to Samui through an undersea cable.

Samui now consumes a total of 75 megawatts, and demand rises by about 10 percent every year. It will need at least 95 megawatts or more by 2010.

Some officials said it was important for the power project to be implemented soon, given the projected hike in demand for power.

However, other officials said the project would require a huge investment and that such high electric posts could affect the island's laid-back atmosphere and alter the skyline.Â

Instead, they proposed the use of undersea cables.

While the cost of undersea cables would run up to at least Bt1.5 billion, compared with Bt200 million for the electric posts, and take at least five years to complete, advocates pointed out that none of the natural scenery on the island would be affected.

In the end, however, it was agreed that the plan to construct a new power station was more feasible and faster to implement.

At the same time, its close location to Phangan Island was also seen to be advantageous, especially if there is a plan in the future to increase the supply of electricity to the neighboring island, where tourist arrivals have increased and businesses have expanded in the last few years.

A committee created to evaluate the plan said the electric posts should not be located at populous communities and in areas where business establishments are centered.

It suggested that some of them be put up on or near Khao Pom Mountain and that proponents consider the merits of using an electric tower.

Despite rapid business growth on the resort island, the Waterworks Authority of Koh Samui has disclosed that current water supply will be able to meet demand only up to 2012.

Waterworks Authority of Koh Samui manager Vicharn Ningnoi said they have a budget of Bt177 million to build a reservoir to keep water flowing, especially during summer when shortages loom.

"We have been able to tap new sources of fresh water from an area the size of 24 acres.

To cost Bt177 million, the reservoir is designed to use higher water production technology. At present, we still rely on a reverse osmosis system.

But this has resulted in water costing Bt51 per cubic unit. We have to find another way to lower costs,” Vicharn said.

He noted that since January demand for water has risen from 17,000 cubic meters to 20,000 cubic meters per day.

While a drop in rainfall now could affect fresh water supply, Vicharn insisted current reserves can handle an expected increase in demand during the next four summer months.