Just say substation

Just say substation

It is a bit annoying to learn that The Jakarta Post keeps
using improper terms or words like "power generator" or "relay
station" instead of "electrical (distribution) substation" or
just "substation" for the electrical facilities recently shut
down by the state electricity company (PLN) due to the floods in
Jakarta and its environs. The use of the first two terms could
mislead the Post's readers.

In a previous issue, the Post stated that PLN had shut down
hundreds of power generators in the Jakarta area. This could have
been interpreted as meaning that PLN owned many small,
independent generators spread throughout the area, with each
supplying power to particular customers. I believe, however, that
this is not the case.

The term "relay station", as far as I know, is normally used
in respect of low energy transmission in the form of
electromagnetic waves, and is mostly used in broadcasting
technology like television, radio and cellular systems. I hope
the Post will try better to provide its readers with correct
information.

ATTILA RAHAYOE

Bekasi, West Java

Note: We note your comment gratefully; in fact the Post has
already decided to use the term "substation" to avoid any
confusion in future --Editor