Power interconnection network in Sumatra to start operation

State-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) said that the 103 km-electricity interconnection network spanning from Rantau Prapat-Kota Pinang to Bagan Batu in North Sumatra now under construction is predicted to start operation in September 2007, Bisnis Indonesia reported Monday.

PLN general manager for the Northern part of Sumatra Indra Pribadi said that under the initial plan, the electricity interconnection network was targeted to be completed in December 2007.

However, he said, amid the electricity crisis facing Northern part of Sumatra, the company managed to speed up the construction of the interconnection and electricity guardhouse, enabling it to be operated in September 2007.

With transmission subsystem in Northern part of Sumatra connected with Central and Southern part of Sumatra through air transmission network with 150 kV, the Northern part of Sumatra subsystem will get the supply of power from the Southern part of Sumatra that has power supply surplus of around 60 megawatts at the peak hours.

?The additional power supply at the peak hours to the Northern part of Sumatra subsystem will help solve the area?s problem of power deficit of 120 megawatts at the peak hours,? Indra said. (*)