Save Up To 59% Of Operational Costs, Palm Oil Companies In Riau Switch To Using PLN Electricity

Illustration of officers from the Cawang Cawang Maintenance Implementation Area (APP) for West Java Transmission conducting routine panel inspections at the 150 KV Mampang Dua Substation, Jakarta. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - PT Ganarea Hendan, a plantation company and palm oil processing factory in Riau, has now switched to using PLN electricity.

Director of Operations of PT Ganarea Hendana, Hendra said, apart from being more reliable, PLN's electricity usage is also up to 59 percent more efficient than operating the generator itself.

This collaboration was marked by the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PJBTL) with a power of 415,000 VA between the Riau and Riau Islands Regional Main Unit PLN and PT Ganregion Hendana.

"Every month we spend Rp. 300 million in operational costs for fuel oil (BBM). Based on the calculations we have done, the use of electricity from PLN can save about 59 percent or around more than Rp. 170 million," said Hendra in an official statement, Wednesday, June 15.

General Manager of PLN UIW Riau and Riau Islands Agung Murdifi ensures that PLN will continue to strive to provide the best to every customer, including companies engaged in palm oil mills (PKS).

Currently, Riau's capacity is 1,066.9 megawatts (MW) and a peak load of 942 MW, indicating that Riau Province has a surplus power of 124.9 MW.

"PLN is ready to meet the demand for new connections and add power for all customer groups, including industry," said Agung.

Agung targets to increase electricity consumption in Riau and Riau Islands, one of which is in the industrial sector.

One of them is through the acquisition of captive power or industrial-owned power plants to be supplied by PLN.

"In addition to being more efficient, customers can focus on their core business because all their electricity needs will be served by PLN," said Agung.