By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, May 18: Strong winds struck down three electrical poles at Asajaya recently and has affected the power supply to a wide area of Tambirat there.
Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) in a press statement today said the incident happened on May 12 after 1 am and a thunderstorm in the area has delayed repair works.
The company explained that power supply in Tambirat was only restored in the afternoon.
The state utility provider observed that there were cases, especially in rural areas, where repair and supply restoration works could only be completed the following day as the rainy conditions affected accessibility to work sites by making roads muddy and slippery.
“Electricity and water don’t mix so when it comes to safe repair and restoration during rainy weather conditions, it will most certainly take a longer time than usual.
“Safety is our top priority and this means ensuring that the surrounding conditions are safe before work can begin or continue,” SEB’s vice president for distribution Yusri Safri said.
While SEB could deploy its technical team almost immediately in response to complaints, he said the recent stormy weather conditions across the state had hampered quick action from the team as heavy rain and lightning were making it unsafe to perform repair work on electrical poles.
“When work is done and before a line can be re-energised, the technical team will need to patrol the lines again to ensure it is safe to restore supply.
“This includes making sure the other poles are in order and there are no fallen lines or any other obstructions along the stretch.
“We want to ensure our team as well as the public are safe and we ask for patience from affected customers as we safely restore supply,” Yusri added.
SEB pointed out stormy weather conditions with heavy rainfall and strong wind can cause electrical safety hazards.
The company asserted downed power lines and fallen electrical poles are among the most common forms of damage caused by the recent adverse weather conditions.
Thus, SEB reminds the public to be cautious of damaged electrical facilities following a storm as fallen poles and power lines might still be energised or is able to transmit electricity.
It advised the public to wait for the utility’s technical team to remove and replace the fallen electrical poles and power lines safely.
Besides, it advises anyone who encounters fallen electrical pole and power lines to contact SEB immediately for assistance.
The company noted the current wet and windy weather condition is also proving to be a challenge for SEB to restore supply safely and quickly during interruptions.
SEB disclosed its technical team can be alerted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1300 88 3111 or contact its customer service through the SEB Cares mobile app to report the incident.
Additionally, SEB observed that an excavation works by a third party contractor in Saratok recently has damaged an underground cable and interrupted power supply to several villages.
It noted muddy terrain and unsafe travelling conditions have caused fault tracing and the subsequent repair works to be delayed.
As a result, SEB explained that repair work could only be carried out when conditions were declared safe. – DayakDaily
