RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

In 2015, a strategy to electrify the remaining rural households was formulated under the Rural Power Master Plan. The plan is aimed at accelerating rural electrification through a variety of programmes with government funding.

This plan will see the expansion of high voltage distribution network from the existing grid under RES; RPSS in extending Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission network into rural areas; and Hybrids and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) for standalone renewable alternative systems for the most remote inaccessible areas. The simultaneous implementation of these programmes will speed up the government’s electrification plan, enabling Sarawak's digital economy agenda to reach rural communities to help realise Sarawak’s vision to become a developed state by 2030.

Sarawak Energy, is aiming to connect more than 30,000 remaining rural households towards achieving full electrification by 2025 through the following plans.

RES is a strategy to extend the existing Sarawak Grid through the construction of electrical distribution poles and supply lines to un-electrified areas. Rural customers can apply for RES from their respective Resident and District offices. The Ministry of Utilities is the coordinator with Sarawak Energy providing technical support, supervising government-appointed contractors in the construction, testing and commissioning of the installations before taking over operations and maintenance. 

There are currently 31 solar hybrid power stations in operation throughout the interior of Sarawak. Another 6 stations in various stages of implementation are expected to be commissioned within the next one to two years. Sarawak Energy through the Rural Off-Grid Operation Division has been appointed by the government to undertake the operation and maintenance of these solar hybrid stations.

SARES is an innovative government-community partnership model. An integrated initiative of the Sarawak Government, it aims to provide 24-hour electricity supply to remote communities where it is not feasible for connection to the Sarawak Grid. The scheme mobilises government machinery and agencies to help villagers build and subsequently own and operate more sustainable and affordable electricity generating systems.

The Rural Power Supply Scheme (RPSS) aims to connect rural areas to the main transmission grid, by constructing new transmission lines and substations in the rural interior to form part of the integrated transmission system.