KUCHING : Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) will be replacing conventional electric meters with smart meters in phases throughout the state.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the initiative is in line with the state government’s drive towards digitalization.
“Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, one of the catalytic initiatives is having a smart meter system.
“Now we are modernising our power and utility systems with digital technologies. This is to boost efficiency and provide responsive service delivery”, he told a press conference after the launching of SEB Smart Meter Campaign here today (Oct 24).
He also mentioned that the newly introduced smart meter will minimise and facilitate eradication of electricity theft and tampering.
“My ministry is committed to continuously improve our services to the people.
“I am pleased that SEB is rolling out this initiative for Sarawak to enhance customers’ experience and modernise our electricity retail system, reflecting the modernisation, development, and progress of the state,” said Julaihi.
Julaihi said electricity theft will be automatically detected by the control centre through the smart meters.
He added that the smart meter replacement will also be free of charge for existing SEB customers.
The transition to the smart metering system is expected to be done in phases right up until 2029, considering external factors such as global availability of smart meters and speed of delivery.
To date, SEB’s utility arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad, has installed 9,000 smart meters in Kuching.
