The electricity subsidy assumption was likely to remain unchanged amidst the low assumption of the rupiahs exchange rate against the US dollar, Director General of Electricity at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Jarman explained prior to a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VII, here on Wednesday.
"The electricity subsidy remains the same as the target in the 2014 state budget. Although the sale target has been revised downward, the dollar has appreciated against the rupiah," he noted.
State electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has revised the sales target for 2014 downward to 198 trillion watt hour (TWh) from 204 TWh, due to a change in the calculation base.
"The 204 TWh is based on the 2013 realization forecast of 187 TWh, while the 2014 sales growth is projected to reach nine percent," Head of PT PLN Commercial Division Benny Marbun pointed out.
However, the electrical power sale in 2013 reached 185.5 TWh, with the sales growth estimated at seven percent, he added.
"Therefore, the 2014 sales are projected to reach 198 TWh," he explained.
PLN had set itself at target of attracting 3.4 million new customers in 2014, he stated.
In 2013, PLN recorded the number of new customers at 4 million, bringing the total number of customers to 54 million, he remarked.
The 54 million customers include 13 million pre-pay customers.
Law No. 23/2013 on the 2014 State budget has mandated the government to allocate Rp81.8 trillion for electricity subsidy this year. The figure includes reserves worth Rp10.4 trillion. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
