Power blackouts affect thousands

PALEMBANG, South Sulawesi: At least 51,415 houses in three districts in South Sulawesi have been experiencing periodic power blackouts since Wednesday due to supply disruptions.

The blackouts began after an explosion at the Talang Ratu relay station, state-owned electricity company PLN said on Thursday.

It is not clear when the power supply will return to normal in the affected areas.

The local office of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation said PLN should compensate those affected if the power cuts continue for three consecutive days. --JP