PLN launches coin-based electricity system for street vendors

The state-owned electricity company PT PLN’s Jakarta branch has launched a coin-based electricity credit system for street vendors, a spokesman said. He added the system was created to answer the public’s need of easy and safe access to electricity

"It is also expected that the system could reduce the number of electricity hitching, which is illegal,” PLN communication and community development deputy manager Irwan Darwin said in a press conference on Friday, as reported by kompas.com.

He said through this program, consumers could enjoy 900 watts worth of electricity for 30 minutes, all for just a Rp 1,000 coin (11 US cents). He added if they were about to run out of electricity then they could simply add another coin to the machine for another 30 minute block of electricity.

Put the street vendors aside, Irwan said, this program was also suitable for anyone in public areas who needed electricity to recharge their laptop or cellphone batteries.

"We’re going to develop the system in many bus stations, terminals and of course, shopping malls, so people wouldn’t get into trouble whenever they are in need of electricity,” he said.

Irwan went on to say that the measure had been enthusiastically received during public exhibitions and that PLN expected the system to be popular among the city’s residents. (png/dic)