PLN Targets Electrification of 300 Homes in Taelarek District

State-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) is targeting around 300 homes in Taelarek District, Jayawijaya Regency, to soon receive electricity following the successful first-phase connection of public facilities in the area. General Manager of PT PLN (Persero) Papua and West Papua Regional Unit, Roberth Rumsaur, stated that the grid expansion will be carried out in stages to ensure communities in the highland region gain access to reliable energy. “Currently, electricity is only available at the district office and the community health centre. Next, we will connect the power grid to 300 homes in Taelarek District so residents can have lighting at night,” he said. According to Roberth, the successful delivery of electricity to Taelarek District demonstrates the company’s commitment to extending electricity services to highland areas with geographical challenges. “The provision of electricity not only improves the quality of public services but is also a step towards promoting community welfare through more equitable energy access,” he added. He explained that to supply power to Taelarek District, the company built a 5.75-kilometre circuit of Medium Voltage Network, a 6.48-kilometre circuit of Low Voltage Network, and two distribution substations, each with a capacity of 50 kVA, connected to the Jayawijaya power system. “We therefore hope for the involvement of the local government and the community so that the process of expanding the electricity network to residents’ homes can proceed smoothly,” he said. He added that the company hopes the presence of electricity in Taelarek District will also improve the quality of life, support health and education services, and open up opportunities for new economic activities in the region.