Thailand’s vertically-integrated power utility Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is planning to develop a 500 kV transmission line to ensure power security in southern Thailand. The line that is expected to entail an investment of 60 billion baht will connect the Bang Saphan district in Prachuap Khiri Khan (located in central Thailand) to Surat Thani and Phuket (located in southern Thailand). Once approved by EGAT’s board, the first phase of the project will be completed within six years. The line has been planned in response to the blackout on May 21, 2013, which occurred after a thunderstorm cut the only 500 kV transmission line in service. Though the region is served by two high voltage transmission lines from the central area, the other line was down for maintenance that day.
