CaliToday (04/12/2025):
The energy crisis gripping Vietnam’s premier tourist destination, Phu Quoc, has intensified, evolving from a technical disruption into a potential economic disaster for the local hospitality sector. As the "Pearl Island" braces for the peak year-end holiday season, authorities have pinpointed the cause of the blackout to a catastrophic human error.
The Culprit: A Pile Through the Lifeline
Authorities have officially identified the source of the blackout that severed the island's power on November 29. The incident was not caused by natural disaster or grid overload, but by a violation of the safety corridor surrounding the critical 110kV Ha Tien – Phu Quoc underground cable system.
According to the investigation, the Thuan Thanh KG Construction Design & Consultancy Co., Ltd. was conducting steel pile driving operations for a project when they encroached upon the protected electrical zone.
Legal Action: The impact was severe enough to slice through the high-voltage line. Recognizing the gravity of the damage to national security and the local economy, the Kien Giang Provincial Police have officially stepped in to investigate signs of criminal violation regarding safety regulations.
"Bleeding Money": The Tourism Sector's Nightmare
The timing could not be worse. With over 30,000 households and businesses affected, the blackout has sent shockwaves through the island's tourism industry just weeks before Christmas and New Year.
Hoteliers are reporting massive financial losses. Without grid power, resorts are forced to rely on industrial diesel generators to keep air conditioning, lights, and water pumps running.
Skyrocketing Costs: Hotel owners describe the situation as "waking up to lose millions of VND." The cost of running generators is currently estimated to be 3 to 4 times higher than standard electricity rates.
Cancellations: The noise of generators and the instability of services (such as intermittent Wi-Fi) have led to a wave of room cancellations. Tourists, fearing a lack of amenities during their expensive holidays, are beginning to look elsewhere.
The Emergency Response
In a race to keep the island's essential services running, a massive logistical operation is underway.
An Giang Power and other neighboring utility units have mobilized to "rescue" the island. A convoy carrying 20 large-capacity generators has been shipped to Phu Quoc. These units are being deployed to prioritize critical infrastructure, including:
Medical centers and hospitals.
Administrative centers.
Key water supply stations.
While the backup generators provide a lifeline, they are a temporary fix. Engineers are currently assessing the subsea cable damage, a repair process that is notoriously complex and time-consuming.