PLN completes installment of Celukan Bawang high voltage power line

State owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) (Persero) said on Tuesday it has finished installing the 150 kV overhead high-voltage power line which connects PLTU Celukan Bawang coal fired power plant (380 MW) to the Java-Bali power grid.

While Bali is part of the Java-Bali grid, it is not easy to channel power from Java to Bali in case of emergency since Bali use 150 kV interconnection system, while Java uses 500 kV interconnection system. The Celukan Bawang high-voltage power line will thus play a vital role in sustaining power supplies on the tourist island.

PLN said the 150 kV high-voltage power line complied with the existing regulation and met the international health standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) either in terms of the height of tower and cleared areas.. It will thus pose no dangers to health.

People need not to worry living under the high-voltage power line, PLN?s acting Corporate Communication Head Agung Murdifi said

Agung said Bali power system now has total installed capacities of around 950 MW, including 570 MW from Gilimanuk, Pesanggaran and Pemaron power plants and 380 MW from Celukan Bawang. Peak load at night reach 800 MW, meaning the island has a surplus capacity of 150 MW. Nevertheless, the island still gets supplies from Java through undersea lines.

Following the operation of PLTU Celukan Bawang, PLN will place its diesel power generators on the island as reserve since its operating cost is high.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon