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