PLN Launches Smart Grid In Bali

Kuta (Antara Bali) - The national electricity state-owned enterprise, PLN, has launched the Eco Smart Grid program in Bali, setting a target to make the province a National Clean Energy Region in an effort to boost the use of renewable energy.

The PLN`s Public Relations Manager, Agung Murdifi, said in Badung district, Bali on Wednesday that the Eco Smart Grid is an electricity network system that integrates power plant and electricity distribution by using telecommunication and communication technologies between PLN and the consumers.

The system allows the renewable energy sources and hybrid power plant to be incorporated in the power system.

"Once the system starts working, it is expected to improve the electricity ratio in Bali by using the renewable energy potentials. This will help maintain the electricity supply," Agung noted.

He explained that the basic difference between the new system and the conventional one was that the latter allows unidirectional flow of power from the PLN to the consumers.

The smart grid system can work in both directions between the PLN and the consumers and is supported by telecommunication infrastructure.

According to Agung, the new system will also help the consumers to directly monitor their electricity usage in real time.

As a result of real time monitoring, the electricity consumption will be more optimal and more efficient. "The technology also results in better service to the consumers as it enables faster recovery in case of any disturbances," Agung explained.

He added that the smart grid is a new breakthrough that will make it possible for the consumers to become electricity producers.

"This will be possible for those PLN consumers who would have installed solar panels at their homes or other buildings," Agung informed. (WDY)