PLN Focuses on Restoring Distribution Network to Communities, Main Power Supply in Flores Returns to Normal

PT PLN (Persero) is moving quickly to secure and restore the electricity system in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), following the M7.7 earthquake that struck on Saturday morning (15/8). PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo went directly to the field to ensure the acceleration of electricity restoration in the affected areas runs optimally.

Darmawan said that immediately after the earthquake occurred, PLN deployed all resources to secure electricity infrastructure while gradually restoring supply. The entire process was carried out with priority given to the safety of the public and field personnel.

In less than 12 hours after the earthquake, all 11 affected substations (Gardu Induk) were successfully restored and are now back to 100 percent operation. The recovery of all substations is an important step to ensure the main supply system returns to normal while accelerating the distribution of electricity to the distribution network and customers across Flores.

“Alhamdulillah, from the generation side, the available supply capacity has reached 111 MW. This is more than enough to serve the current load of around 95 MW as well as normal conditions of around 105 MW. All 11 substations have also recovered 100 percent. This means that from the main supply side, we are very ready,” said Darmawan.

Darmawan expressed appreciation to all parties who supported the electricity restoration process in Flores.

“Thank you for the support and collaboration of the Regional Government, BPBD, TNI, and Polri who jointly supported PLN’s restoration efforts in the field. This synergy has greatly helped us face various challenges and accelerate the electricity restoration process in the affected areas,” Darmawan added.

After the main supply returned to a ready condition, Darmawan explained that PLN’s current restoration focus is on the distribution network. One feeder remains disrupted due to the impact of the earthquake and landslides. A number of electricity poles were also reported to have collapsed and broken, requiring repair or replacement.

“We are deploying all our strength and personnel all-out to repair and replace the damaged poles. We hope the feeder that is still experiencing disruption can be restored today, as long as disaster conditions allow,” said Darmawan.