KUCHING, June 9: Sarawak Energy has been monitoring the performance of the electric lines supplying Kanowit very closely and has taken immediate actions to address the challenges and enhance supply reliability to the area.
This includes terminating the contract of the poor performing vegetation (tree clearing) contractor in April and appointing a new contractor last month.
Extensive tree clearing is ongoing and, on some occasions, shutdowns of overhead lines are necessary to clear overgrown tree branches.
Sarawak Energy apologises to its customers in Kanowit for the frequent shutdowns of the line for this purpose and assures those affected that the management is closely and continually monitoring the performance of tree clearing works and the overall supply reliability of Kanowit and its nearby areas.
Apart from enhancing its vegetation management, Sarawak Energy said it had also implemented system reinforcement works to improve the supply reliability of the long overhead lines (70km) stretching from Sibu-Kanowit-Nibong Tada to Machan.
The diversion of the Nibong Tada line from Kanowit line to Mapai substation was completed on May 18.
This project, costing about RM500,000, was to improve system reliability by providing additional supply source and reducing the number of affected customers. At the same time, it will shorten the outage duration should there be any fault occurring along the Sibu to Kanowit overhead line.
Sarawak Energy’s records show that the frequency of outage in Kanowit has decreased after the completion of this diversion work.
Since mid-May, four outages were recorded, and they were caused by lightning, a vehicle knocking down a pole, and strong winds. Restoration for the outages was between 30 minutes to two hours.
Another significant reinforcement project for Kanowit, which is nearing completion, is the construction of a 30km length second circuit from Sibu to Kanowit.
This RM630,000 project will provide another clean line dedicated to supply Kanowit. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
The completion of this additional line will significantly enhance the supply reliability in Kanowit, Machan and its surrounding areas.
While construction work on the second circuit is ongoing, Sarawak Energy continues to closely monitor the lines to ensure fast restoration of supply in the case of interruptions.
Affected customers are assured that Sarawak Energy is looking into this very seriously and the necessary measures are being taken to improve the line performance to give reliable supply to the people of Kanowit. — DayakDaily
