PLN suspends new power connection in four regencies in Lampung

State-owned electricity company PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) said it has been forced to suspend installation of new power connection and capacity expansion for customers in four regencies in Lampung due to supply shortage in the province.

PLN said in a statement Thursday that the affected four regencies include Central Lampung, Tulang Bawang, West Tulang Bawang, and Mesuji.

It said that power supply in the province could not yet be increase as the planned 150 kilo Volt transmission line to distribute excess power supply in the neighboring South Sumatra province to Lampung could not be installed yet as the company has yet to be able to get the necessary local permit for the tower facilities.

PLN said that the transmission line is important as electricity demand in Lampung is increasing while supply has been limited due to lingering obstacles in developing new power plant projects such as the Rajabasa geothermal plant which has suffered from delays amid permitting-related problem.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak