Geodipa, PLN in talks to reset Dieng power purchase price

State-owned geothermal firm PT Geodipa Energi is seeking to amend electricity price it sells to the state electricity company PT PLN from its Dieng geothermal power plant (PLTP Dieng) unit 1 with capacity of 55 MW and unit 2 with output capacity of 60 MW, said PLN President Director, Nur Pamudji.

Earlier, PLTP Dieng agreed to sell electricity to PLN at a price of US$0.0445 per kWh. He said both parties, PLN and Geodipa, are in talks to re-set the power purchase price.

PLTP Dieng which is being developed by Geodipa was expected to begin commercial operation at end 2013 (unit 1) and early 2014 for PLTP Dieng unit 2. According to Nur Pamudji, however, it now appears that the power plant would commence commercial operation in 2015/2016.

Geodipa has secured environmental impact assessment approval (AMDAL) and ready to kick off exploitation activities.

Geodipa was established by Pertamina in a partnership with state electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) on May 23, 2002 to manage and develop the Patuah and Dieng geothermal fields.

Early this year, Pertamina handed over its shares to the government. Before the transfer of the shares to the government, Pertamina owned a 67 percent stake in the firm with PLN holding the rest. (bernard)