'PLN should treat consumers better'

'PLN should treat consumers better'

State power company PT PLN is asking residents of Java and Bali
to conserve energy from May 23 to June 6 as it struggles to
complete construction work at the Muara Karang and Tanjung Priok
power plants. The Jakarta administration is only switching on
street lamps and lamps used for outdoor billboard advertisements
after 8 p.m., and has reduced the use of air-conditioners to comply
with the save energy campaign. The Jakarta Post asked residents
for their thoughts on the issue.

Putri, 23, is a receptionist at the J.W. Marriot Hotel. She
lives in Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta:

I definitely agree with the idea of saving energy. Obviously
it helps reduce one's expenses.

But if you think about it, who in this day and age can do
anything without electricity? I certainly can't.

And there's always the possibility that future generations
might not be able to enjoy the luxury of electricity as we do.

We really don't have to do a lot. Just start with the often
neglected stuff like turning off the light in the toilet or
simply turning off the TV and radio if we are going to sleep.

Martha, 23, is a student in the School of Communications at
the Dr. Moestopo University. He also sings in a club. He lives in
Pondok Aren, South Jakarta:

Electricity is a gift from God. Besides enjoying it, we should
always remember that it is our duty to ensure that our children
and grandchildren can also enjoy it.

I'm not trying to be sanctimonious here. I'm just saying that
with the recent issue of blackouts, the thought had crossed my
mind.

There could come a day when PLN will not be able to provide as
much energy as is needed. What will happen then?

So, I say that switching off some lights won't hurt anyone.
But I'm a bit disappointed about the process though. I'm used to
having to pay a fine whenever I pay my monthly bill late.

But now suddenly they announce that there could be a blackout.
And even though it hasn't happened yet, what if it does? What if
it happens while I'm in the middle of doing something important?

They should really treat their customers better.

--The Jakarta Post