PLN completes post-earthquake electricity infrastructure assessment in Flores
PT PLN (Persero) Regional Unit for East Nusa Tenggara (PLN UIW NTT) has confirmed that all electricity infrastructure on Flores Island has undergone a thorough assessment following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake, as part of efforts to guarantee the safety and reliability of electricity supply for the public.
PLN UIW NTT General Manager F Eko Sulistiyono said in Kupang on Friday that the assessment and recovery were carried out through cross-unit collaboration within PLN, prioritising occupational safety and the reliability of the electricity system.
“We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of all personnel. This cross-unit synergy and spirit of mutual cooperation is proof of PLN’s commitment to providing the best service and keeping electricity supply reliable for the people of Flores,” said Eko.
The joint team inspected all substations (GI) and high-voltage overhead line (SUTT) networks on Flores Island to ensure asset conditions remained safe after being shaken by the earthquake.
The substation assessment covered various primary equipment, including power transformers (TFT), circuit breakers (PMT), lightning arresters (LA), current transformers (CT), and protection systems.
The inspection was also complemented by a number of technical tests, such as Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA), Polarization Index (PI), tan delta winding and bushing, Dynamic Resistance OLTC, and Breakdown Voltage (BDV).
In addition, officers addressed several technical findings, including oil leaks and the fabrication of 20 kV busbar plates.
On the transmission network, the inspection covered the condition of tower foundations and legs, bolt and bracing structures, conductors, insulators, earth wires or OPGW, clearance, and potential landslides around tower sites.
To accelerate the assessment, the team was divided into two working areas. The western Flores team inspected the Rangko, Labuan Bajo, Ruteng, Ulumbu, Borong, and Bajawa substations. Meanwhile, the eastern Flores team covered the Ende, Aesesa, Maumere, and Wairita substations.
Eko said the involvement of cross-unit personnel demonstrated the strong spirit of mutual cooperation and brotherhood among PLN employees in facing emergency conditions.
PLN UPT Kupang Manager Hikmah Prasetia said the assessment was carried out not only visually but also through technical testing to ensure every asset was fit and safe before the system was normalised.
“After the earthquake, we immediately moved to assess and test the affected transmission assets. We did not only look at the physical condition visually, but also ensured equipment reliability through a series of precise technical tests before system normalisation,” he said.
He stressed that the safety of personnel and the reliability of electricity for the people of Flores were the top priorities throughout the recovery process.
Recovery support also came from PLN BKO personnel deployed from various regions, including UIP3B Sulawesi, UIP3B Kalimantan, UIT East Java and Bali, UIT Central Java, and the Transmission Divisions of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, and Nusa Tenggara.
The entire assessment and recovery process was carried out by applying Occupational Health and Safety (K3) standards, from safety briefings, voltage isolation, electrical checks, installation of local grounding, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to final inspections before normalisation.