Erick Thohir Surati Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources To Help PLN, What About?

Minister of BUMN, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Ministry of BUMN)

JAKARTA - The Special Staff of the Minister of BUMN, Arya Sinulingga confirmed that BUMN Minister Erick Thohir wrote to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif regarding the conditions at PT PLN (Persero) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the letter numbered S-756 / MBU / 09/2020, Erick asked Arifin for help to help PLN in the case of excess power supply.

In his letter, Erick asked business actors to use the electricity provided by PT PLN, among others by limiting the granting of business permits for electricity supply and captive power.

Not only that, Erick also asked for an adjustment of the 2020-2029 RUPTL by considering the capacity of the electricity infrastructure that has been or is being built, demand projections and funding capacity both from the APBN and PLN's profits.

"Regarding the Minister's letter to ESDM, it is true that the Minister's letter does not mean that PLN is in a bad condition. But what the Minister is looking at is because PLN is already over supply," he said, in Jakarta, Friday, October 2.

According to Arya, it would be better if the excess supply of PLN electricity was utilized properly rather than allowing a company to build a new power plant.

"So there's no waste either, it's a waste of energy. It's a shame if, for example, we build a new power plant, there will be another industry, building a new generator, while PLN itself is able to meet these needs," he explained.

The following is a letter from Erick Thohir regarding Support to PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) dated 18 September 2020:

Paying attention to the condition of PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) / PT PLN, both operational and financial performance affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope that your support will help the performance of PT PLN as follows:

1. To overcome the condition of excess power supply, efforts are needed to increase electricity demand. We hope for your support to encourage business actors to use the electricity provided by PT PLN (Persero), among others by limiting the granting of business permits for electricity supply and captive power.

2. Adjustment of 2020-2029 RUPTL by considering:

a. The capacity of the electricity infrastructure that has been / is being built,

b. Demand projection,

c. Funding capability, both from the state budget and PT PLN finances

Thus we convey and for your attention and support for improving the performance and services of PT PLN, we thank you.