PLN UP3 Parepare Targets 10 EV Charging Stations by 2026
PLN Unit Pelaksana Pelayanan Pelanggan (UP3) Parepare is targeting the addition of Stasiun Pengisian Kendaraan Listrik Umum (SPKLU) to reach 10 units by 2026. Currently, PLN UP3 Parepare operates seven charging machines spread across four areas in South Sulawesi, comprising two SPKLU in Parepare City plus one SPLU (Stasiun Penyedia Listrik Umum) for two-wheeled electric vehicles, one SPKLU in Barru, one SPKLU in Soppeng, and two SPKLU in Sidrap Regency (Rappang and Pangkajene).
“Some locations have more than one charging point. By 2026, we are targeting the addition of around 4–5 new SPKLU points so that the total facilities available can reach a minimum of 10 units in the UP3 Parepare working area,” said Arif Indra Wibowo, Team Leader of Sales Retail at PLN UP3 Parepare, on Friday.
The expansion is driven by high customer enthusiasm for electric vehicle access. PLN UP3 Parepare recorded significant growth in EV charging transactions, with nearly 3,000 transactions in the January–April 2026 period, compared to only around 1,500 in the same period the previous year. “This represents an increase of about 100 per cent compared to the previous year. Historically, SPKLU usage has grown approximately two to three times each year over the past few years,” Arif explained.
The doubling of transactions in early 2026 signals rising public interest in electric vehicles and serves as a positive indicator for accelerating the energy transition in South Sulawesi. Most SPKLU currently operate 24 hours a day to serve the growing number of EV users. Charging capacities vary, with the highest available power in the Parepare and Pinrang areas reaching 180 KW, while the lowest available is around 22 KW. “However, charging speed still depends on each vehicle’s specifications, as not all vehicles can accept the maximum power provided by the charger,” Arif elaborated.
Beyond adding SPKLU, PLN UP3 is also strengthening the EV ecosystem in Parepare and surrounding areas through enhanced 24-hour services, provision of comfortable supporting facilities, and partnership opportunities with the public and businesses. For example, the SPKLU in Parepare is integrated with a commercial area, allowing users to relax, enjoy coffee, dine with family, or rest while their vehicles charge.
A Parepare SPKLU customer named Rudiansyah noted that using an electric vehicle is far more economical than a petrol-powered vehicle. For a round trip from Parepare to Makassar, he only needs to spend around Rp200,000 on charging. In contrast, using fuel would cost three times as much. “A charge of around Rp50,000 generally takes only about 10-15 minutes, so it doesn’t take up much travel time either. That’s already enough for me to drive around Parepare,” said the private sector employee.