PLN restores 429 substations after Flores earthquake

Kupang (ANTARA) - PT PLN Unit Induk Wilayah Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) has reported that it has restored 429 electricity substations following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake centred in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, on Saturday (15/8).

General Manager of PLN Unit Induk Wilayah NTT F Eko Sulistyono in Kupang on Saturday said the electricity network restoration process is being carried out in stages following the earthquake.

“A total of 429 electricity substations are now back on or operating again after the earthquake this morning,” he said.

PLN, he said, has identified 3,478 distribution substations affected by disruptions following the earthquake. In addition, of the 11 main substations that were affected, six have been re-energised and are operating again.

PLN teams, Eko added, continue to carry out inspections and repairs, from power generation, transmission, main substations, to distribution networks.

He said that the Maumere Oil and Gas Power Plant (PLTMG) has been declared safe and is part of the initial steps to normalise the system. PLN is also prioritising electricity supply for vital facilities, such as hospitals and disaster posts.

“We ask for the prayers and support of the community. All PLN personnel are committed to working tirelessly to restore electricity as quickly as possible. Safety is our top priority,” Eko added.

Furthermore, he said, PLN is also prioritising the restoration of electricity supply for vital facilities, including hospitals and disaster response posts, to support community needs in the post-earthquake conditions.

NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena said the electricity network is currently being normalised by PLN.

“We hope it will be normal soon so that services there can also return to normal,” he added.

Meanwhile, the restoration of telecommunications services in a number of earthquake-affected areas is now a priority following network disruptions. His office is moving quickly by coordinating with Telkomsel so that communication connections can be fully restored soon.