Learning from Power Outages: UNU Jogja Expert Explains Why Restoring Electricity Takes Time

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Recent power outages affecting several regions have not only disrupted daily activities but also highlighted the importance of understanding how electricity systems operate. Behind every blackout lies a complex technical process that is often unfamiliar to the general public.

Bledug Kusuma, S.T., M.T., a lecturer in Electrical Engineering at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), explained that modern electricity systems are interconnected networks. When a large-scale disruption occurs, restoring power is far more complex than simply switching the electricity back on. Instead, the recovery process must be carried out in carefully planned stages to ensure the system returns to a safe and stable operating condition.

"Many people assume that electricity can simply be switched back on, just like turning on a light switch. In reality, power systems follow strict operational procedures to prevent further disruptions during the restoration process," he said.

According to Bledug, certain types of power plants, including coal-fired power stations, require considerable time to resume normal operations after an outage. As a result, the speed of electricity restoration depends on various technical factors that must meet established safety and reliability standards.

He also emphasized the importance of critical thinking amid the widespread circulation of information on social media. The public, he noted, should rely on official sources and recognize that large-scale power disruptions rarely have a single or straightforward cause.

"The most important thing is for the public to receive complete and accurate information so they do not draw conclusions before all the facts are available," he added.

How the Power Grid Works: Why Restoration Takes Time

The electricity used by households every day travels through an interconnected system consisting of power plants, high-voltage transmission lines, substations, distribution networks, and finally consumers' homes. Because these components function as an integrated system, a disruption in one part of the network can affect a much wider area.

Bledug explained that following a major outage, electricity restoration must proceed in stages. Power plants must first be confirmed ready for operation, transmission networks must be inspected, and electricity is then gradually supplied to different regions until the entire system reaches a stable operating condition.

This step-by-step process is essential to protect electrical infrastructure and reduce the risk of additional disturbances that could further delay recovery. For this reason, electricity cannot be restored simultaneously across all affected areas as simply as turning on a household switch.

In addition, every power plant has unique operational characteristics. These differences require engineers to consider multiple technical aspects throughout the restoration process to ensure that electricity can be supplied safely and reliably.

Simple Ways to Prepare for Power Outages

Beyond improving energy literacy, Bledug encouraged households to strengthen their preparedness for emergency situations, including temporary power outages. Simple preparations at home, he said, can significantly reduce the impact of disruptions on everyday life.

He recommends that households:

1. Keep emergency lights or flashlights in easily accessible locations.
2. Ensure mobile phones and power banks are adequately charged.
3. Store sufficient clean water and essential household supplies.
4. Minimize opening refrigerators during outages to help maintain internal temperatures.
5. Unplug sensitive electronic devices during power outages to reduce the risk of damage from voltage surges when electricity is restored.
6. Follow official updates from electricity service providers and avoid relying on unverified information.

More broadly, Bledug believes that incidents such as power outages provide an opportunity to strengthen public awareness of energy resilience. This includes using electricity more efficiently, becoming familiar with alternative energy sources where appropriate, and reducing excessive dependence on electricity for all daily activities.

"When society becomes too dependent on electricity, daily activities become increasingly vulnerable during disruptions. That is why preparedness and public understanding are essential components of building energy resilience," he said.

As a university committed to strengthening public literacy through academic engagement, UNU Jogja believes that a sound understanding of energy systems is fundamental to building adaptive and resilient communities.

Through academic research and public education, the university seeks to help society better understand electricity-related issues from an objective, evidence-based perspective while encouraging greater preparedness for future emergencies.

Ultimately, power outages serve not only as a challenge for electricity providers but also as a reminder that building energy resilience is a shared responsibility. By understanding how electricity systems operate, using energy responsibly, and improving emergency preparedness, communities can contribute to creating a more resilient and sustainable energy future. [Latifah]