MIRI: Sarawak Energy Berhad’s reinforcement works to enhance reliability of supply and system stability here costing almost RM1 billion is progressing well.
A number of major projects implemented simultaneously since 2014 included additional injection points with the construction of a number of zone substations in urban Miri and its outskirts to cater for the city’s rapid development and expansion, as well as the upgrading of other infrastructure such as additional feeders, transformers, replacement of ageing equipment and power lines.
Sarawak Energy Berhad’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili said it was critical to strengthen supply to Miri given the rapid development, expansion and the increasing population density.
“We will be able to achieve this through our reinforcement initiatives and a dedicated technical team in Miri.
“Most of the projects and upgrading works are expected to be completed within the next five years. Upon completion, we expect to strengthen the Miri network significantly.
“The major reinforcement projects include enhancing the capacity of Pujut Power Station in 2015 with an additional (33MW) gas turbine, reconstruction of Tudan 275kV substation (completed in May this year), construction of the Marudi Junction 275kV substation which is currently in progress,” he said.
He added that another project was the construction of a 132kV Ring for Miri City encompassing Tudan-Pujut-Eastwood-Marudi Junction-Tudan, implementation of Bunut-Marudi Junction 275kV lines project which is on track and the tender for the project will be awarded soon.
“It also comprises the Similajau-Bunut 500kV lines project to be implemented soon following the call for tender,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy’s Regional Manager for Northern Region, Tan Joo Kok said these engagements were important for public understanding of Sarawak Energy’s efforts to improve power supply stability in Miri.
Speaking during the visit of Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture who is also Senadin Assemblyman, Datuk Lee Kim Shin to the newly upgraded Tudan substation, Tan added that Sarawak Energy also continues to work with the Miri community and their elected representatives to keep the public informed and updated on the progress of these initiatives.
“We thank Datuk Lee for his concern and for working closely with us by promptly highlighting issues faced by the communities for our immediate actions and also for his assistance in explaining to the public about our ongoing projects,” Tan said.
The reconstruction of Tudan substation, which serves as a major injection point for Miri, along with cable laying works was completed last May to provide additional capacity and backup to the city’s power supply.
Prior to its reconstruction, the substation was heavily loaded which made it susceptible to tripping causing major outages in the city.
Reinforcing the southern part of Miri is also a key focus area due to the current line performance.
Marudi Junction Transmission substation which is expected to come online by early 2018 will cater to the growing load demand in this part of Miri.
Tan said the operations team has doubled the initiatives to minimise the risk of unplanned interruptions by increasing line patrols and stepping up maintenance and vegetation management at overhead lines.
Nevertheless, he also said other causes of the outages in Miri include excavation works damaging underground cables, copper theft and vandalism to power facilities.
Tan also appeals to members of the public to report to Sarawak Energy Customer Care Centre at tel: 1300-88-3111 or the police should they come across such incidents.
