Power interconnection in Lampung, Palembang interrupted

An interruption of the power supply from PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam to the Southern Sumatera power interconnection has caused a serious problem to major areas in Palembang and Lampung. The power connection to household customers in the two provinces? major areas have been cut off due to the interruption.

Kompas reported on Monday that the power supply to thousands of household customers in Bandar Lampung, Lahat and Lubuk Linggau have been cut off for more 10 hours due to the power interruption. This has further worsened the power shortage of power problem in the region.

State electricity company PLN could not yet find the cause of the power interruption. But the head of the company?s Palembang branch, Syafri Djamil, said on Sunday that the power interruption might be caused by the disconnection of the transmission network from Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam.

In order to meet the power shortage in Palembang, PLN would optimize the operation of its three diesel-power generators in Sungaijuoro, Keramasan and Bommbari. The three power generators, which have total capacity of 60 MW, are not linked to the South Sumatra ? Lampung power interconnection. (*)