ESDM says electric stove programme still in trial phase

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the electric stove programme is currently still in the trial phase. “This is just being tested. We are testing (electric stoves) at BBSP (Centre for Standardisation and Services). So we are collaborating with the PLN team and universities such as UGM and ITB,” said Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the ESDM Ministry, in Jakarta on Monday. Eniya further explained that collaboration is already underway with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology to test several types of electric stoves and the resulting efficiency. “So that test is being carried out now. The differences between various electric stoves, and then what their efficiency is,” she said. “Based on that, we will later calculate the monthly consumption and roughly what the price will be. Then we will discuss the concept with the Minister (of ESDM, Bahlil Lahadalia) first,” she added. Previously, ESDM Minister Bahlil stated on Monday (15/6) that his ministry is preparing electric stoves with a power rating below 900 kilovolt amperes (kVA) for households, as a step to convert LPG stoves to electric stoves. He also proposed a budget of Rp815.56 billion in the 2027 Draft State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (RAPBN) for the electric stove programme in order to reduce dependence on LPG imports. The discourse on transitioning from LPG stoves to electric stoves had previously circulated during the presidency of Joko Widodo. However, in September 2022, state-owned PT PLN cancelled the programme to switch 3 kg LPG stoves to electric ones to maintain public comfort during the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Subsequently, when energy prices surged due to the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno again urged the government to transition from gas stoves to electric stoves. Eddy argued that transitioning to electric stoves would be cheaper compared to the costs incurred for subsidising LPG imports. He highlighted the issue of converting LPG stoves to electric stoves, considering that LPG prices are also affected by soaring global oil prices.