Coal stocks at Suralaya power plant always at critical level

The president of state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Eddie Widiono, acknowledged on Monday that coal stockpile at Suralaya power plant always stood at critical level, enough only for two days of operation, and this caused the power plant to supply below par electricity to the Java-Bali interconnection system.

Eddie told Neraca daily that the ideal stocks for any coal-powered power plant like Suralaya would be enough for 14 days of operation, and the safe level would be at 7 days of operation. And therefore, stocks level enough for 2 days of operation is very critical.

Because of such situation, Suralaya power plant had reduced its electricity output to ensure continuing operation. Nevertheless, the plant had to sharply reduce its operation on Sept. 24 and 25 that affected some areas in Java and Bali.

Suralaya plant would continue face feed-stock problems because its coal suppliers, especially state coal mining firm PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA) that supplies more than 50 percent of Suralaya coal needs, could not deliver the requested amount.

Eddie admitted that coal prices were much better overseas, and therefore, coal mining firms would be tempted to sell their coals to foreign buyers, although they had supply commitment to local consumers.

Suralaya needs a total of 11 million tons of coal every year, of which 6.5 million tons should come from PTBA. (*)