Using the power of the sun that shines brightly in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, the PLTS Ile Ape with an installed capacity of 200 kiloWattpeak (kWp) has strengthened the electricity reliability in Lembata since its start of operation in 2011.

"Since its start of operation in 2011, this PLTS has helped to reduce PLN's expenses for generator fuels. On average, we can save up to Rp 115 million per month," said I Putu Sudarsa, Senior Technical Manager of PLN's Regional Main Unit of NTT at the site of the PLTS in Waipukang Village, Ile Ape Subdistrict, Lembata, Saturday (12/10).

With photovoltaic panels as many as 940 pieces, PLTS Ile Ape which is on-grid with PLN's ULP Lembata can generate electricity with a capacity of 150-180 kWp.

The electricity condition in Lembata in general is safe with a capacity of 5.4 MW, while peak load is 4.2 MW. "We have a backup power of 1.2 MW, it's very safe here," Darius Urin, a Manager at PLN's ULP Lembata, added.

Putu hopes in the future more and more renewable energy will be developed in the region, especially in islands located in NTT not connected to PLN's grid because the potential of local, renewable energy in NTT is huge. "(Renewable energy) Has significant potential for development. We have solar energy, wind, geothermal as well as sea current. In addition to PLN, several Independent Power Producers (IPPs) also generate electricity," said Putu.

In order to increase the electricity ratio in NTT, the government has not only developed local potential but also stepped in to reach out to people with no electricity connection. As many as 20,934 Energy-Saving Solar-Powerd Lamps (LTSHE) funded by Ministry of EMR budget of 2019 have been distributed to houses with no electricity connection located at 3T (Outermost, Frontline, and Disadvantaged) areas in NTT. East Nusa Tenggara Province, together with Papua Province, receives the most LTSHE compared to other provinces in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the 'KESDM Peduli' program has continued to provide electricity access to the needy in NTT through free electricity-connection aid. In Lembata Regency, 202 new electricity connections have been realized, funded by donation from the employees of Ministry of EMR. (KO)