SIMUNJAN: Sarawak Energy is ramping up efforts to improve electricity supply reliability in Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, and Simunjan through infrastructure upgrades and enhanced maintenance strategies. 

These efforts include short, medium, and long-term plans to address power reliability issues in these areas.

One of the key measures involves scheduled maintenance outages necessary for safe repair works and equipment replacements. 

Sarawak Energy’s Regional Manager for the Western Region, Tan Joo Kok, in a press statement expressed the company's commitment to providing reliable electricity and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by power interruptions. 

He noted that the extensive power network faces challenges from vegetation, wildlife, severe weather, and aging equipment.

“These factors are among the main contributors of power interruptions in Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau and Simunjan, where electricity is mainly supplied by overhead lines that are vulnerable to these issues,” said Tan. 

To mitigate these issues, Sarawak Energy has increased line inspections, cleared vegetation, and performed necessary maintenance. 

They are also replacing aging equipment and installing smart technology for efficient switching operations to expedite power restoration during downtimes.

Last year, Sarawak Energy installed new 33kV underground cables from Serian to the Gedong Junction to reinforce the supply to Simunjan.

Future plans include building the Sebuyau substation to reduce outage vulnerabilities and installing dedicated insulated distribution lines using the Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) system, which can prevent interruptions caused by contact with vegetation.

Tan highlighted that some power disruptions are due to necessary scheduled shutdowns for safe repair works, equipment replacements, and new customer connections. 

Sarawak Energy aims to minimise these disruptions by restoring power as quickly as possible.

Ongoing projects in the area include the construction of the 33/11kV Asajaya Substation, the installation of the 33kV double circuit to the Asajaya Substation, and 11kV reinforcements at Tambirat and Asajaya.

Tan also emphasised  the dangers of planting or cutting trees near electrical lines, urging the public to contact Sarawak Energy for assistance in trimming branches to prevent power outages and ensure safety. -UKASnews