These adjustments come after a transition from under-estimated bills to actual consumption data.

 

Affected customers will automatically be placed on the instalment plan, but those needing more time can request an extended repayment period by contacting SESCO directly.

 

Sarawak Energy’s Vice President for Retail, Ng Shou Fui, explained SESCO has always offered flexible payment options to help customers manage their electricity bills, but the new instalment plan is a specific response to one-time bill adjustments. 

 

"We understand that some customers may face difficulties, particularly those who received estimated bills over an extended period due to meter inaccessibility. The adjusted bill reflects actual usage, and while this may result in a higher one-time bill, we are committed to helping customers through this process," he said in a statement. 

 

Customers who had been receiving estimated bills—often due to locked gates or inaccessible meters—will get a revised bill once SESCO obtains the actual meter readings.

 

SESCO has put several measures in place to notify customers when meter readings are not possible, including issuing locked gate notices and clearly marking estimated bills. 

 

These steps ensure that customers are aware of when their readings are estimated, and SESCO is focused on minimising the financial impact once actual readings are obtained.

 

"We want to reassure our customers that we are here to assist them. The six-month instalment plan is automatic for affected customers, but if more flexibility is required, they can reach out to us," added Ng.

 

SESCO manages around 780,000 meters, with 3 per cent to 4 per cent of accounts receiving estimated bills, of which 1 per cent are undercharged. SESCO will continue engaging with these customers to ensure accurate meter readings can be taken.

 

To help avoid discrepancies between estimated and actual readings, customers are encouraged to regularly check that their billed readings match the physical meter. 

 

They can also request a meter reader to confirm the reading, submit a photo of their current meter reading with the meter’s serial number, or report the reading through the SEB cares mobile app or web portal.

 

For assistance or to arrange a longer instalment period, customers can contact the Customer Care Centre at 1-300-88-3111, email customercare@sarawakenergy.com, or visit the nearest customer service counter. In Kuching, service counters are available at Saradise, Wisma SESCO, and UTC Kuching.-UKASnews