TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Residents complain of recurrent blackouts

Customers of state-run electricity company PLN’s North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo (Suluttenggo) branches have been complaining over recurrent blackouts lasting two to three hours

Lita Aruperes (The Jakarta Post)
Manado
Thu, June 9, 2016

Share This Article

Change Size

Residents complain of recurrent blackouts

C

ustomers of state-run electricity company PLN’s North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo (Suluttenggo) branches have been complaining over recurrent blackouts lasting two to three hours.

Bahtin Rasak, who lives on Jl. Sea, Malalayang subdistrict, expressed disappointment over the situation, especially since blackouts had occurred just as fasting Muslims were about to have their sahur (predawn meal).

“These blackouts disrupt our activity,” Bahtin said, Wednesday.

Nancy Tigau of Maumbi expressed similar concern considering North Sulawesi was equipped with the 50 megawatt (MW) Zeynep Sultan Marine Vessel Power Plant (MVVP).

“With the vessel power plant the regions have an electricity surplus. So why are blackouts occurring every day?” Nancy said in annoyance.

Yoseph Ikanubun of Kinali subdistrict, Minahasa regency, was disappointed that blackouts were occurring despite PLN having installed an electricity network for PT Meares Soputan Mining (MSM).

“Making profits is being prioritized while service is bad. If another company supplied electricity, people would for sure move to that company and PLN would have no customers,” Yoseph said.

PLN Suluttenggo spokesperson Jantje Rau said the blackouts in North Sulawesi were caused by system disturbances. “Because of the electricity surplus, PLN has to establish a connection with PT MSM,” he said.

PLN Suluttenggo previously formed an agreement with MSM to supply electricity from the 70 kilovolt (kV) high voltage network to the installation belonging to PT MSM located in Likupang, North Minahasa regency, with premium service.

The agreement was signed on June 2 by PLN Suluttenggo general manager Baringin Nababan and MSM president director Terkelin Purba. Witnessing the signing was the business director of PLN’s Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara branches, Machnizon Masri.

“PLN will provide special silver premium service in supplying 30 megavolt amperes [MVA] in electricity to MSM for its operations,” Baringin said.

He said PLN was committed to supporting the local administrations in increasing investment and economic activities in their respective regions. Other supporting factors, he added, included a surplus of 84 MW in the North Sulawesi and Gorontalo electricity system.

He said the system had 414 MW power supply while the peak load in the region was 330 MW.

“This is our first customer for high voltage silver premium service within the PLN Suluttenggo jurisdiction,” said Bariningin, adding that it indicated trust from business practitioners.

Separately, Terkelin Purba said that MSM was a gold mining company operating in Likupang and Bitung, North Sulawesi.

“The electricity supply reliability from PLN will support our operational activities, which are both investment and labor intensive,” he said.
_______________________________

“Because of the electricity surplus, PLN has to establish a connection with PT MSM.”

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.