PLN Restores Baturaja City Network Impact Of Electric Poles Hit By Trucks

Electricity (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) Baturaja Customer Service Unit (ULP), Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency, South Sumatra moved quickly to restore the electricity network which was disrupted due to a broken power pole after being hit by a truck on Saturday (17/5) at 05.20 WIB.

PLN ULP Baturaja manager, Fahmi Ramadhona in Baturaja said that the incident of a broken power pole at Simpang 3 Bakung, Kemalaja Village, East Baturaja District caused blackouts in a number of areas in Baturaja City.

The incident began when a truck passing through the area hit an electric pole until it broke and damaged a number of components of the power grid.

Based on preliminary reports, damaged assets include one stem of an electric pole, two sets of traves, two sets of arm tie, six insulators, and six mid-voltage network cables (SUTM) that experienced slack and slipped.

This damage caused power outages in the area including Keluraja, Sukaraya, Baturaja Lama, Baturaja Permai, Sekarjaya, Air Paoh, and several surrounding villages that depend on the electricity from the distribution point.

"Regarding the incident, we immediately mobilized the team to evaluate the damage and start the repair process," he said, quoting Antara.

He said the main focus was on repairs by replacing broken power poles, reinstalling damaged components, and ensuring the mid-voltage cable network was functioning safely again.

The repair process takes time as it involves replacing a number of vital components and rearranging the cable network.

"We have to make sure all elements of the network are in stable and safe condition before the electricity supply can be restarted," he said.

To support the acceleration of improvement, PLN ULP Baturaja also deployed additional equipment, including cranes and other heavy equipment, as well as involving experienced technicians from nearby units.

Fahmi also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and stay away from the scene during the repair process.

"We ask the public not to approach the technical team's work area because there are security risks, such as cables that are still active or heavy equipment that is being operated," he said.

PLN ULP Baturaja is optimistic that it can minimize the impact on residents and ensure that electricity services resume stable.