Temporary Generators Bridge Gap As Aceh Awaits Permanent Grid Solution

Jakarta – The restoration of electricity in Aceh is currently characterized by a dual-track effort: immediate temporary solutions and longer-term permanent repairs. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia's update highlights how generator power is serving as a critical lifeline while the damaged grid undergoes reconstruction.

Minister Bahlil reported that the immediate need for power in Banda Aceh is being met through a combination of available grid capacity and supplemental generators. This approach has successfully delivered an average of 60 megawatts to the capital, powering essential services.

"Thank God, last night an average of 60 megawatts for Banda Aceh's needs was already distributed. We are using generators for some of it," Bahlil told the cabinet. This temporary fix is a standard disaster response tactic to bridge the gap until main infrastructure is restored.

The cornerstone of the permanent solution is the repair of the main substation network. The Minister provided an encouraging progress report, noting that this work is now 80% to 90% complete. These substations are vital nodes for controlling and distributing electricity across the province.

A clear deadline has been set for this phase of the project. Bahlil targeted the middle of the current week—"at the latest Wednesday or Thursday"—for the substation work to be finalized, which would allow for the normalization of power flows from major regional plants.

However, the Minister's report also contained a sober assessment of the remaining challenges. He noted that supplying power to every affected village remains impossible due to "severe infrastructure damage," including countless downed power poles.

The crisis is compounded by access issues. Roads necessary for transporting repair crews and new poles to remote villages are still damaged or blocked, slowing the reconstruction of the local distribution networks that carry power from the main grid to homes.

The path forward involves a sequenced return to normality. The plan is to first stabilize and connect the main high-voltage grid, then gradually repair and re-energize local village networks as floodwaters recede and access improves, a process that will extend beyond the current week.

Tag: Banda Aceh Disaster Response Energy Infrastructure Generator Power Grid Repair Temporary Energy Solution