Sarawak to study feasibility of prepaid power bills system, pilot project expected in 2027

KUCHING (Nov 28): A feasibility study on a prepaid electricity billing system for consumers in Sarawak will be conducted next year, said Datuk Ibrahim Baki.

The Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) said the study will be carried out by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).

A pilot project targeting selected customer segments is scheduled for 2027.

“This study and pilot project will address potential challenges in implementing the prepayment system, particularly in areas with low or unstable telecommunications network coverage,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

Ibrahim was responding to a query from Adam Yii (GPS-Pujut) on whether the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication or SEB had considered introducing a prepaid billing system for electricity consumers in the state, and whether any feasibility studies or pilot programmes are planned to assess its benefits.

According to the Deputy Minister, the prepaid metering system is expected to provide significant benefits to customers, including better control over electricity usage, improved budgeting, and enhanced convenience through flexible payment options.

He further noted that the deployment rate of smart meters currently stands at 25 per cent and is projected to reach 70 per cent by 2030.