Jakarta hit by rotating blackout

Several areas in North Jakarta and East Jakarta are experiencing rotating blackouts due to the shortage of gas supply to the Muara Karang and the Tanjung Priok combined cycle power plants, Kompas reported Tuesday.

State electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara?s (PLN) general manger for the Jakarta and Tangerang distribution areas Fahmi Mochtar said in Jakarta Monday that the two power plants lacked gas supplies since a week ago. ?A problem with a (gas) producer?s facilities offshore North Jakarta has caused the drop in gas supply, which has left the Muara Karang and Tanjung Priok power plants unable to operate normally,? he said.

Areas that are experiencing rotating blackouts include Penggilingan, Pulaugadung, Pondok Kelapa, Pulomas, Plumpang, Manggarai, Bekasi, Kandang Sapi, Pegangsaan, Marunda, Mangga Besar, Kemayoran, Angke and Ancol.

The rotating blackout that will last until December 7 occurs twice daily, he said

The Muara Karang and the Tanjung Priok power plants have a capacity of 1,208 MW and 1,300 MW respectively. The two power plants receive gas supply from BP West Java.

According to Fahmi, the Muara Karang and Tanjung Priok power plants now only produces 600 MW respectively. The lower production is expected to last until Dec. 19. (*)