PLN expands capacity of substations in N. Sulawesi, Gorontalo

Petromindo|Khalsa

State-owned electricity firm PT PLN is developing new transformers at two substations each in North Sulawesi Province and Gorontalo Province (Sulutgo system) to expand their capacity to anticipate rising power demand in the region.

PLN said in a statement Saturday that the Otam substation in Bolaang Mongondouw Regency, North Sulawesi, will see its capacity increased by 60 MVA, while Isimu substation in Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province, will also see its capacity increased by another 60 MVA by each added with a new transformer. The two substations currently each has capacity of 30 MVA.

PLN on Friday signed contracts with two companies namely PT Baruga Asri Nusa Development and PT Citra Riantara, which are targeted to complete the expansion projects by the end of this year.

?Power demand in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo has increased by an annual rate of between 8-10 percent. In the first quarter of this year, demand grew by 7.44 percent. That?s why, the new transformers are expected to start operating at the end of this year to anticipate rising power consumption,? PLN said in the statement.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak