Suralaya power plant has enough coal stock

The coal stock at the coal-fired Suralaya power plant has reached an ideal level after the increase in the supply during the past several days, according to Lili Tjarli Tahlan, the newly appointed chief of the power plant.

Lili said that the stock has reached an ideal level, which is enough to feed the power plant for 10 days. The current level of the coal stocks will be maintained at least until after the Idulftri holidays.

"The level of the coal stock is quite encouraging for us, because only several days ago, the stocks were only enough for three or four days,? he said, adding that the level of the coal stock should be maintained so that the possible shortage of the coal supply during the Idulfitri holidays would not affect the power plant?s operation.

If it is still possible, the Suralaya power plant would further increase the coal stocks from the current level, he said. Although main supplier state-owned coal mining firm PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam has ensured that the company would continue the supply during the Idulfitri holidays, the Suralaya power plant should have sufficient stock in hands, he added.

The coal fired Suralaya power plant uses at least 30,000 tons of coal every month, with a minimum 5,500 kilo calorie. The coal mining company often suffers a shortage of coal supply since the coal price in the international market surged last year.

Although the power plant has a long-term purchase contract, its main supplier PT Batubara Bukit Asam often delays the supply. (*)