KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans will have to endure power outages for the next two months as Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) carries out load shedding exercises to stabilise the state’s electricity grid.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the recent statewide blackouts were a result of these efforts.
Shahelmey, who is also state Works Minister, said this was necessary because of an increase in power consumption throughout the state.
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“Because of the hot weather, more people were using air-conditioners at home so consumption increased,” he told reporters after a briefing by SESB management on Friday (May 19).
“This caused SESB to carry out load shedding to ensure the stability of the state’s power grid.
“This will be done until July, so we advise consumers to be patient,” he added.
Shahelmey noted that the exercise will not, however, cause a blanket blackout in Sabah.
“This is to ensure the grid is under control for the prevention of unwanted technical issues as well as allowing everyone to get power supply,” he said after visiting SESB’s load dispatch centre in Penampang near here.
Shahelmey said SESB has short- and long-term plans to address the power issue affecting the state.
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In the short term, he said it had increased electricity generation capacity by deploying 11 mobile generator sets.
“A total of 17 more generator sets are being brought in so this will increase the supply to consumers,” he said.
On Tuesday and Wednesday (May 16 and 17), consumers in Sabah and Labuan had to endure hours-long blackouts.
In a statement, SESB cited technical problems with its high voltage lines that triggered trips at its power stations.
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Shahelmey said, however, there would be delays in implementing the long-term measures.
It is understood that these involve, among others, the installation of power generators in Sandakan and Kimanis, as well as the Tenom Pangi power plant commissioning, all of which would provide an additional 116MW of power.
“I urge the Energy Commission to expedite the process because this is really (having an effect on) economic growth in Sabah.
“This must be given serious and immediate attention.
“This is not just for consumers but to aid economic growth in the state,” Shahelmey said.
