Sarawak rooftop solar users can cut RM700 electricity bills to about RM100 under Net Energy Metering scheme

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 25: Sarawak is encouraging more households to adopt rooftop solar under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, as part of efforts to expand renewable energy participation and help consumers reduce their monthly electricity bills.

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the NEM scheme, introduced in 2021, allows electricity users to install rooftop solar systems and export excess energy back to the grid, which is then used to offset their consumption.

“To encourage wider participation, Sarawak Energy is offering RM10.2 million in subsidies this year for domestic rooftop solar installations under the NEM scheme.

“Rooftop solar installation costs are estimated to range between RM15,000 and RM50,000, with subsidies helping to reduce upfront costs by between RM8,000 and RM12,000 per household,” he said during the NEM Awareness Campaign held at Waterfront Hotel here today.

Julaihi further said the initiative is aimed at turning consumers into producers of green energy, contributing to Sarawak’s target of increasing installed capacity from 5.9 gigawatts (GW) to 10 GW by 2030.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Julaihi noted that upfront installation costs remain a barrier for some households, adding that the subsidy programme was introduced to improve affordability and encourage wider participation.

He said uptake has been encouraging, with about 800 applications received so far and 174 residential installations completed under the subsidy scheme.

Meanwhile, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) chief executive officer Yusri Safri said household electricity savings under the scheme can be significant, depending on usage and system size.

“For example, a household with a monthly electricity bill of around RM700 could reduce its bill to slightly above RM100 after installing a 12 to 15-kilowatt rooftop solar system under the NEM scheme. This would translate into savings of about RM500 per month, or roughly RM6,000 annually.

“Over three years, the household could save between RM18,000 and RM20,000, which would likely be enough to cover the installation cost with the subsidy included.

“Basically, the return on investment (ROI) can be achieved in about three years, which is very good but this is with the subsidy factored in,” he explained.

Julaihi also reminded that applications for the scheme are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, urging interested consumers to apply early while allocations remain available.

For more information on the subsidy scheme and application process, customers may visit Sarawak Energy’s official website, contact the 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, reach out via the SEB cares mobile application, email [email protected] or visit Sarawak Energy’s customer service counters. — DayakDaily

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