Electricity Crisis Occurs Due to Miscalculation: VP

Jakarta (Antara) - The electricity crisis that hit several areas in Indonesia was caused by miscalculation, according to Vice President Jusuf Kalla. \"Electricity crisis occurs, because we have, so far, made incorrect calculation and planning and thought that the electricity demand was aligned with economic growth,\" the vice president remarked while inaugurating a national congress on electric power here on Thursday. Kalla explained that if the economic growth reaches six percent, electricity demand will increase by nine percent; and if the population increases by 1.5 percent, electricity demand will increase by 15 percent. The vice president noted that the government should increase its power generation capacity by 10 thousand megawatts (MW) every three years to meet the country\'s electricity demand. \"The target to add 10 thousand MW of power generation capacity every three to five years had yet to be met,\" Kalla noted. He further added that electricity cannot be replaced by other things as it is one of the three major pillars of infrastructure. He pointed out that along with rapid technological advancements, electricity requirements also increase, and thus, the supply should be maintained. \"The more advanced a nation, the higher the electricity demands,\" the vice president added.(*)