The load shedding of electricity is expected to continue until July, Sabah Works Minister Datuk

25 May 2023

The load shedding, or rationing of electricity, is expected to continue until July, said Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.He said the exercise was deemed necessary due to high electricity demand during the hot weather, as people would rely on air-conditioners to cope with the situation.Shahelmey, who is state deputy chief minister, said the utility company Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) would deploy additional generator sets to meet the electricity demand."For consumers, load shedding will be implemented until July, and we request for everyone's patience."However, it will not be a blanket load shedding. The purpose is to maintain grid stability," he said at the SESB Load Dispatch Centre, following a briefing by the utility company.SESB said consumers would be notified about the scheduled load shedding for the following day through various channels at 10pm.The utility company, a subsidiary of peninsular-based Tenaga Nasional Bhd, will limit the load shedding duration to a maximum of two hours.On the power disruption that occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday in major districts, the incident was attributed to damaged assets in Karambunai and Putatan.SESB denied any element of sabotage but pledged to investigate the cause of the damage.To address the issue, SESB said it would augment the electricity supply capacity by introducing 11 mobile generator sets to the grid.The Sabah government is urging the Energy Commission to expedite the implementation of new power plant projects in the state.Shahelmey said increasing power capacity was the only viable solution."SESB has a long-term plan to boost the power supply in Sabah, but there have been delays in its implementation. I appeal to the relevant authorities overseeing power generation projects to give them serious attention."This is for the benefit of consumers in Sabah and to support regional economic growth."He was referring to the delayed approval from the Energy Commission for the Kimanis power generation station, awarded to Ranhill Utilities Bhd, which has the capacity to supply electricity up to 100 megawatts.