KUCHING, Jan 21: Sarawak Energy’s utility arm Syarikat SESCO Berhad’s (Sesco) arrears recovery process related to meter tampering and electricity theft cases is governed under the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance.
Sarawak Energy in a statement today said it provides for a systematic procedure when dealing with suspected power theft cases.
“The established internal process aims to protect consumers and ensure power thieves ultimately pay for stolen electricity consumption,” it said in a statement today.
Sarawak Energy said the ordinance applies only to Sarawak’s power utility and is different from the Electricity Supply Act, 1990 that applies to power utilities in West Malaysia and Sabah.
“The Electricity Supply Department of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak has a regulatory overview including Sarawak Energy’s arrears recovery process to ensure the rights of electricity customers in Sarawak are protected under the Ordinance,” the statement added.
According to Sarawak Energy, even for cases that date back many years, arrears, the amount owed that would have been billed and paid earlier if the meter had not been tampered with, will continue to appear on the customer’s monthly bill as a strong reminder that there is still active recovery action for the sum owed.
It said in a recent case highlighted in the media concerning arrears charged 14 years ago, the customer was fully aware of the arrears owed to Sesco having been served reminder for payment in addition to the arrears appearing continuously on the customer’s monthly electricity bill as a constant alert of the unsettled sum.
“To provide an additional avenue of recourse, customers who object to the findings may still request Sarawak Energy to trigger the appeal process.
“The customer can submit supporting documents to justify their actions. All cases are assessed thoroughly, and the customer will be notified of the appeal’s outcome in writing. The aggrieved customer may approach Sesco to work towards a mutually agreed solution.
“The decision made at this point by the appeal committee would be final. Extenuating circumstances if presented are also considered by the appeal committee in arriving at the final decision,” it said.
Sarawak Energy also advises landlords to always be on alert regarding their tenants’ business activities to avoid getting implicated in the crimes committed by the tenants operating within their rented premises and to ensure electricity accounts are under their tenants’ names.
All queries related to arrears can be channeled to Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or customercare@sarawakenergy.com. Customers may also reach Sarawak Energy via its very own mobile application “SEB cares” which can be downloaded via Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Members of the public can also report on suspicious activities concerning power theft via the hotline at 082-443535. All information will be kept strictly confidential. – DayakDaily.
