Java-Bali power grid suffers shortage of supply

The Java-Bali power system on Tuesday morning entered a deficit status, as the existing power plants on the grid are able only to supply about 13,976 megawatts (MW) while the peak demand is estimated at about 14,300 MW.

PLN said on its website on that day two power plants, the 541 MW Muara Tawar combined cycles power plant and the newly operated 840 MW Muara Tawar gas fired power plant, have been forced into unscheduled maintenance due to fuel supply problem.

“If not a single unit of power plant back to resume operation until this afternoon, rotating blackouts would be unavoidable,” a staff at PT PLN (Persero) P3B told Petromindo.Com.

The Java-Bali power grid is pivotal for the country because the region is the most populated area, where huge manufacturing companies operate. In order to avoid any power disruption, PLN needs a minimum reserve of 615 MW.

According to the website, around 1,752 MW of the total capacity of 18,592 MW on the Java-Bali grid have been placed on maintenance schedule. But these units of power plants are scheduled to resume their operation next week. (robert)