PLN UID Sulselbar implements two-hour rolling blackouts
PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tenggara, dan Sulawesi Barat (UID Sulselrabar) has implemented load management, or rolling blackouts, lasting two hours in several supply areas of the Southern Sulawesi Electricity System (Sulbagsel).
The measure was taken following maintenance of electricity infrastructure at several key facilities.
PLN UID Sulselrabar Communications and TJSL Manager Niki Rendra Adisetiawan in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday explained that the load management was carried out to maintain the stability and reliability of the electricity system, with an estimated duration of around two hours per session.
“Maintenance of electricity infrastructure is currently being carried out, which has an impact on electricity supply. We are implementing load management with an estimated duration of around two hours, adjusting to conditions in the field,” said Niki.
He added that PLN technical teams in the field are continuing to accelerate repairs so that electricity supply in affected areas can soon return fully to normal.
Responding to circulating reports regarding the impact of drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon on the operation of hydroelectric power plants (PLTA), PLN stressed that this blackout was not directly caused by a decline in water flow.
According to Niki, PLN does not deny that drought in several regions has affected water availability for hydroelectric plants.
However, the current blackouts are purely part of electricity infrastructure maintenance and system load maintenance.
Nevertheless, PLN UID Sulselrabar continues to monitor drought trends that could potentially affect water-based power plants.
Mitigation measures and adjustments to plant operating patterns continue to be prepared so that the reliability of electricity supply to the public remains optimal.
“We apologise for the inconvenience experienced by customers and urge the public to support efforts to restore the electricity system,” Niki added.