Transforming Indonesia’s Electricity Utility through Energy and Carbon Platforms

Abstract

Digital transformation in the electricity sector is driving a fundamental shift in global utility business models, moving from conventional energy-sales-based approaches toward digital energy services and platform-oriented ecosystems. This transition is accelerated by the expansion of renewable energy, advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the growing demand for energy consumption analytics, and increasing global pressure to decarbonize. In Indonesia, PT PLN (Persero) continues to rely on a traditional business model centered on electricity sales per kWh, which has been effective in supporting national electrification but is beginning to show limitations amid stagnant consumption growth, the rise of electric mobility, and customer’ increasing expectations for smarter and more integrated energy services. In contrast, Singapore Power (SP Group) has successfully developed an Energy Marketplace and a Carbon Services Platform that offer solar rooftop installation, smart home devices, electric vehicle (EV) charging services, energy consumption analytics, and carbon footprint monitoring and offset trading. The success of SP Group demonstrates that platform-based models can enhance customer engagement while unlocking non-tariff revenue streams for utilities. This study evaluates the potential application of similar models within PLN through a Systematic Literature Review, international benchmarking, gap analysis, and the Suitability-Feasibility-Acceptability (SFA) framework. The findings indicate that energy and carbon platform models have strong potential to support revenue diversification, enhance PLN’s digital service quality, strengthen its positioning as an energy service orchestrator, and accelerate Indonesia’s national energy transition objectives.