PLN conducts electrical infrastructure maintenance to prepare for El Niño
Makassar (ANTARA) - PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tenggara, dan Sulawesi Barat (UID Sulselrabar) is conducting maintenance on electrical infrastructure in preparation for the El Niño phenomenon.
The El Niño phenomenon, which is predicted to result in a longer dry season, is expected to affect the water supply to several Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA) in South Sulawesi, thereby impacting electricity production.
“This maintenance is also a mitigation effort to face the El and Niño phenomenon, ensuring everything is in prime condition and free from issues, except for weather-related factors,” said General Manager of PLN UID Sulselrabar, Edyansyah, in Makassar on Tuesday.
He stated that the maintenance is part of a preventive and infrastructural repair effort to enhance long-term system reliability.
“Maintenance of electrical infrastructure in the South Sulawesi region and surrounding areas is being carried out to optimise the performance of the electricity supply. This work is part of PLN’s efforts to maintain and improve the reliability of the electrical system,” said Edyansyah.
Edyansyah explained that while the work is ongoing, PLN is continuously striving for acceleration by deploying technical officers in the field. Various steps are being taken to ensure the maintenance and system recovery processes are completed promptly so that electrical conditions return to normal.
“PLN technical officers are working at maximum capacity in the field to accelerate the completion of maintenance work. We understand that this situation may disrupt community activities, but this step is necessary to maintain the stability and reliability of the electrical system,” he explained.
PLN advises the public to obtain the latest information regarding affected areas and progress through the PLN Mobile application or PLN’s official information channels, such as the WhatsApp Channels of the PLN Customer Service Units (ULP) in each respective region.
Members of the public are also advised to anticipate potential power outages by managing the use of electrical appliances and preparing backup power sources for essential needs.
“We understand that this condition may disrupt community activities. We sincerely apologise for the temporary inconvenience experienced by our customers. We ask for the prayers, support, understanding, and patience of the community while the maintenance and recovery process is underway,” concluded Edyansyah.
In recent days, PLN has been conducting maintenance on electrical infrastructure at several facilities within the Sulbagsel system to optimise performance and long-term supply reliability.
During the maintenance process, there is a reduction in the available power supply capacity within the electrical system. To maintain the balance between supply and electricity demand while ensuring system stability, PLN must implement rotational load shedding in several areas of Makassar and its surroundings.
Load shedding is being carried out gradually and does not cause all areas to experience simultaneous outages. The duration of outages is estimated to be approximately 1 to 4 hours per session, though the timing may adjust according to the actual conditions of the electrical system in the field.