Lawas power supply to be integrated into main power grid

LAWAS: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) customers in Lawas can anticipate a more resilient distribution system and greater reliability as their grid integrates into the main power grid, ensuring a more modern and secure energy system for the community, says Mohammad Saiful Misi.

Mohammad Saiful, the regional manager for the Northern Region, explained that to enhance supply reliability, SEB is upgrading infrastructure, implementing automation systems, and improving maintenance strategies in the northern district.

Vegetation in close contact with electrical lines can lead to supply disruptions.

Key projects include installing 33kV underground cables from the existing Logan Salam 33kV substation to the new Lawas Town EHV Substation and connecting transmission lines to the Northern Grid. These projects are slated for completion by year-end. Additionally, SEB is reinforcing Lawas’ electrical distribution network.

“The Lawas distribution system predominantly comprises overhead lines crossing jungles, as well as farms and plantations under many different landowners.

“When we experience outages caused by severe weather and vegetation, the terrain makes it extremely challenging to restore supply.

“To address these challenges, SEB has implemented additional measures including enhanced line inspections and increased deployment of manpower and machinery to clear vegetation.

“We urge the public, particularly landowners, not to deny us permission to conduct vegetation clearing near electrical lines. Their permission is critical to help to optimise system reliability and to minimise disruptions, especially in areas like Trusan, Sundar and Merapok,” he said.

Additionally, the electrical utility company remains proactive in replacing ageing equipment and integrating smart technologies to streamline operations and expedite recovery during outages.

“Customers may also experience disruptions during essential maintenance and system upgrades. SEB is committed to swiftly restoring power supply with minimal disruption during these planned occasional outages,” he noted.

Customers experiencing disruptions are encouraged to contact SEB’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, e-mail [email protected], utilise the SEB cares mobile app/web portal, or chat with virtual agent Carina to report issues promptly.