PLN Restores 30 Of 112 Substations Affected By Mount Semeru Eruption

Areas affected by the Semeru eruption (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) seeks to accelerate the recovery of electricity supply affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru in several areas of Lumajang Regency, East Java. At least 112 substations and 30,523 customers were affected.

General Manager of PLN's East Java Distribution Main Unit, Adi Priyanto, said PLN officers prioritized public safety in restoring electricity supply at several points in Lumajang Regency.

"As of Saturday night, PLN officers have managed to restore and re-start 30 affected substations. As a result, 7,508 affected customers have received electricity supply", Adi said in a written statement, Sunday, December 5.

Until now, he continued, there were still 82 distribution substations and 23,015 customers affected by the blackout. Adi said several areas that were still extinguished could not be reached by PLN officers due to the main access road (Piketnol Perak Bridge) which collapsed due to the eruption.

"Currently access to the location is still closed, due to the broken Perak bridge in Pronojiwo", said Adi. Adi ensured that PLN personnel would immediately secure electricity supply in affected locations when access was re-opened. "Of course, by prioritizing the safety and security of all personnel and coordinating with Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and TNI (Army) and National Police", he continued.

Adi also appealed to the public to remain alert to the potential for further hot ash fall, amidst the intensity of rain and accompanying extreme weather. It is known that the avalanche of hot clouds with a height of 3,676 meters led to Besuk Kobokan, Sapitarang Village, Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency, East Java.

"For the community, don't be near power lines, substations, PJU panels, or trees that have the potential to collapse when extreme weather occurs", Adi concluded.

For information, people who see the potential for electrical hazards or need PLN services can contact through the PLN Mobile application or the PLN 123 contact center.