VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

State electricity firm PT PLN (Persero) has extended an invitation to investors to do business in West Sumatra on the back of adequate current electricity reserves.

The company's General Manager for West Sumatra Region Bambang Dwiyanto remarked during several national media visits to the Teluk Sirih Steam Power Plant (PLTU) in Padang City, West Sumatra, on Saturday, that the current power reserves average 60 megawatts (MW).

"The power capacity will suffice to provide electricity to 100 new five-star hotels," he noted.

Furthermore, Dwiyanto explained that if the transfer of power supply from the Southern Sumatra is taken into account, power reserves are estimated to still reach up to 200 MW.

Moreover, the 80-MW capacity Muaralaboh Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP), scheduled to become operational in August 2019, will add to the power reserves.

Hence, he has called for investors to invest in West Sumatra, as PLN is set to offer the best electricity services. "In essence, we ensure reliable supply of electricity," he emphasized.

Tourism is a business sector holding immense potential in West Sumatra, taking into account its natural beauty and culinary wealth.

Bambang believes that the adequate and reliable supply of electricity in West Sumatra will further drive the regional economy and boost the electrification ratio.

In March 2019, West Sumatra Province's electrification ratio was recorded at 92.53 percent and targeted at 96.85 percent by 2019-end and to ultimately reach 100 percent by 2020. The total household customers of PLN, as of March 2019, stand at 1.199 million of the 1,297 million households. A total of 49,942 households would need to be electrified to realize the 2019 electrification ratio target of 96.85 percent.

Meanwhile, the total power capacity of West Sumatra's plant touches 650 MW, with a peak load of 600 MW.

Generators, supplying a major chunk of electricity for the West Sumatra region, come from new and renewable energy sources (EBT), specifically 74 MW from the Singkarak hydropower plant (PLTA), 68 MW from PLTA Maninjau, and 21 MW from microhydro power plant (PLTM). In addition, the electricity supply comes from the 180-MW Teluk Sirih PLTU, 170-MW Ombilin PLTU, and 49-MW Pauh Limo gas power plant (PLTG). (ANTARA)