NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING, 14 OCTOBER 2019, MONDAY: Sarawak Energy continues to prioritise efforts to improve reliability of electricity supply for residents of Matu by investing substantially in new installations to reinforce the system.

The existing 40km long 33kV supply line linking Matu to the newly commissioned Daro 33/11kV substation is susceptible to disturbances along its stretch.

A project to install a second line as backup to reinforce the existing supply system is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Yusri Safri, Sarawak Energy Vice President for Distribution, said, “We regret the inconvenience experienced by the residents of Matu due to the supply interruptions, and we assure them that we are making every effort to get the second line installed as soon as possible.”

“With the installation of the second line, supply is expected to be more reliable. Although the second supply lines will run parallel to the existing lines, part of it will be underground cables and will reduce the risk of disturbance along the relevant stretch,” he explained.

Sarawak Energy is investing RM333.2mil to reinforce the overall distribution system and enhance supply reliability for Daro and Matu and works are being implemented in phases. This includes the newly constructed Daro substation energised in May this year and the 132kV transmission lines from the Sg Maaw substation and the Petian substation currently under construction.

Yusri also outlined efforts to reduce supply interruption risk and for quick restoration of supply for Matu.

“Our technical team is monitoring the condition of existing lines closely. They are on alert for immediate deployment upon notification of supply interruptions so they can work on restoring supply efficiently and safely in the shortest possible time,” he added.

The team uses infrared scanners for quick detection of faults on the supply lines. In addition, they perform regular patrols and scheduled maintenance of the overhead supply lines and electrical pole inspections. According to records, the major causes of disturbances in the area along the stretch are overgrown vegetation, land clearing and tree felling activities by residents and wildlife intrusion.

Sarawak Energy is continuing to urge residents in the area to be careful when working near electrical facilities so that they can stay safe and to avoid causing unnecessary supply interruptions. They should also refrain from planting crops or trees under power lines and to try to keep clear of the area.

Residents can alert Sarawak Energy on supply interruptions or channel queries to its customer care centre 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.my. They can also download the mobile app SEB Cares which allows real time monitoring of billing, outage alerts and serves as another channel to reach our customer care executives.

The second supply line will enhance reliability of the supply to Matu