KUCHING: Sarawak Energy (SEB) is addressing worries about the new smart meters they’re installing. These meters, brought in by SEB’s branch, Syarikat Sesco Berhad (SESCO), give precise, up-to-date data on electricity use. They’re meant to replace the old manual-reading meters.
SEB explains that these new meters offer many advantages. They ensure accurate billing based on actual energy use, removing the mistakes linked to manual readings or estimates. This move also boosts transparency in billing.
By having more exact usage data, smart meters help customers handle their energy consumption better. This could lead to lower electricity bills.
These smart meters are a key step in Sarawak Energy’s plans to modernise its energy supply and metering systems in line with its aim to be a digitalised utility by 2025.
This effort supports Sarawak’s goal of building a more effective and dependable energy infrastructure, aiding the region’s growth and sustainability. However, some customers have noticed higher electricity bills after the smart meters were installed.
These increases are usually because the new meters are more accurate than the old ones, which may have been under-reporting energy usage. Seasonal changes in energy consumption can also play a part. About seven per cent of the replaced meters have led to arrears charges.
Arrears bills are sent out only if issues are found in the previous meters, following SESCO’s rules and the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance. Customers getting arrears notices receive detailed explanations, and those with questions can visit the nearest SEB customer service counter for help.
In line with its digital goals, SEB now sends bills via email to customers with smart meters. To ensure accurate billing, customers are reminded to update their email addresses. SESCO is dedicated to improving its smart meter system and communication to help customers understand their bills and the benefits of these meters.
SEB follows standard procedures for disconnections due to unpaid bills, with no extra reminders beyond what’s in the monthly bill. Customers should regularly check their email, the SEB Cares mobile app, or the web portal for bills and make timely payments to avoid service disruptions.
Customers must confirm that their payments are successfully processed and credited to their electricity accounts. To speed up reconnections, payments should be made through authorized channels like the SEB Cares app or payment kiosks.
Customers facing issues can contact the nearest SEB service counter or the Customer Care Centre at 1-300-88-3111, email customercare@sarawakenergy.com, or use the SEB Cares mobile app or web portal for help.
