After years of frequent blackouts and frustrating power outages, Koh Tao has officially been connected to the mainland power grid. In a major infrastructure upgrade, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) installed a new undersea cable linking our island directly to Thailand’s central electrical supply—ending decades of reliance on aging diesel generators. Island Life in the Dark Anyone who’s lived or visited Koh Tao knows the routine. The power goes out—sometimes for hours. Businesses scramble for backup generators, visitors are left without air conditioning, and visitors juggle schedules around unstable energy supplies. For many islanders and long-term residents, power outages have become a part of island life with many taking to social media to share their whimsical views. For business owners, this was more than an inconvenience. It meant spoiled food, interrupted communications, and lost income. Hosting students for dive theory sessions in the dark or trying to run a resort with no fans or Wi-Fi? Just another day in paradise. The Silver Lining? Dive Days! Ironically, these frustrating outages often turned into the best days to go diving. When the island was without power, there was nothing better to do than grab your mask, gear up, and escape underwater—where the lights never go out and the visibility is always better than the internet. Growing Pains on a Popular Island Koh Tao’s popularity has grown enormously over the past decade. Once a quiet haven for backpackers and divers, it’s now one of Thailand’s most beloved island destinations. But with that popularity has come strain—on water, waste management, and especially on the island’s power supply. The old generator system simply couldn’t keep up with the demand, especially during high season when resorts and dive centers run at full tilt. A New Era of Reliable Electricity That all changed this week. Over the past few days, the PEA completed the installation of a brand-new submarine cable, connecting Koh Tao to the mainland grid. This project has been years in the making and represents a massive step forward for the island’s future. For locals, it means peace of mind. For business owners, it means consistent service, fewer interruptions, and better guest experiences. For visitors, it means enjoying all the beauty of Koh Tao without unexpected power cuts (hopefully). No More Blackouts? Well… Almost While the days of daily outages may be behind us, island life still comes with a few wild cards. We expect the occasional hiccup—whether it’s a storm knocking over trees or the infamous squirrel that occasionally sacrifices itself to take down the entire grid. But overall, this is a monumental shift for Koh Tao, and we couldn’t be more excited. Final Thoughts This connection to the mainland power grid is more than just an upgrade—it’s a sign that Koh Tao is growing in the right direction. With improved infrastructure, we can offer better services, more comfortable stays, and a stronger future for both tourism and the local community. From all of us here at Phoenix Divers Koh Tao, we’re thrilled about this new chapter for the island. And don’t worry—we’ll still be heading out for dives with or without the lights on.