In the heart of Indonesia, a critical examination of the Tanjung Api-Api substation’s 20 kV distribution system has shed new light on the reliability of power distribution and the economic impacts of energy not supplied. The study, led by Regina Septient Malini from Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, delves into the intricate web of power distribution, focusing on key indicators that reveal the true cost of blackouts.
The reliability of an electric power distribution system is the lifeblood of modern society, affecting everything from daily life to economic stability, health, and safety. Malini’s research, published in the Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, scrutinizes the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), and Energy Not Supplied (ENS) to paint a vivid picture of the economic fallout from power outages.
The findings are striking. While four feeders at the Tanjung Api-Api substation meet the reliability targets set by PLN (Persero), the Ferry Feeder stands out as a significant outlier. With a SAIDI value of 6.003570985 hours per year and a SAIFI value of 3.230883689 interruptions per customer per year, the Ferry Feeder is a clear candidate for urgent attention. “The higher the unchanneled energy, the greater the losses experienced by PT. PLN (Persero),” Malini emphasizes, highlighting the direct commercial impact of unreliable power distribution.
The economic losses are staggering. The Ferry Feeder alone accounts for 319,128.4392 kWh of undelivered energy, translating to a financial loss of Rp. 431,461,649.8. Across all four feeders, the total energy not supplied amounts to 396,201.8423 kWh, resulting in a combined loss of Rp. 536,118,758.6. These figures underscore the pressing need for improved reliability and efficiency in power distribution systems.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For energy providers, the study serves as a wake-up call to prioritize reliability and invest in infrastructure upgrades. For policymakers, it highlights the need for stringent regulations and incentives to drive improvements in power distribution. For consumers, it underscores the value of reliable electricity and the economic benefits that flow from it.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research by Malini and her team at Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang could shape future developments. By focusing on key reliability indicators and their economic impacts, energy providers can make data-driven decisions to enhance the resilience of their distribution systems. This, in turn, can lead to reduced outages, lower economic losses, and a more reliable power supply for all.
The study, published in the Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, offers a roadmap for improving power distribution reliability. As the energy sector grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, this research provides valuable insights that could help shape a more reliable and resilient future.