PENAMPANG: The establishment of the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) will ensure better execution of new power generation plantations in the state, said Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) chief executive officer Mohd Yaakob Jaafar.

Since the Energy Commission of Sabah Enactment 2023 was passed in January, ECoS has been tasked with providing secure, sustainable, affordable, and accessible energy for Sabah.

"We see an opportunity for the state government, especially with more investors and domestic needs, in coordinating the construction of power generation to meet the demands in Sabah.

"With Sabah Energy Commission starting operations on Jan 1, 2023, it will help to realise the planning and implementing matters related to electricity," he said during a press conference at SESB Load Despatch Centre here.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya urged the Energy Commission to speed up the delayed Kimanis power station with a capacity of 100 megawatt which was awarded to Ranhill Utilities Berhad.

He said without increasing the electricity capacity, not only would domestic areas be affected, but it would also hinder industrial growth in the state.

Yaakob further mentioned that currently SESB provides a reliable capacity of 1,080 megawatts and maintains a reserve margin of 11.66 percent.

By June next year, SESB aims to add an additional 116 megawatts through mobile generator sets in Tawau, Semporna, Sandakan, and Tenom.

On average, one megawatt can supply electricity to 500 houses. SESB anticipates an annual increase in demand for electricity supply of two to three per cent.

SESB, a subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Bhd, operates five power generation assets and collaborates with five major independent power producers.

Yaakob also provided an update that Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has requested a time extension until May 2024, instead of the previous deadline of November this year, for the transmission of electricity to Sabah.

In 2021, SESB and SEB reached agreements on a Power Exchange Agreement and an Interconnection Agreement as part of the Borneo Grid and the wider Asean Power Grid initiative.

These agreements will facilitate an initial export of 30MW and help increase electricity reserve margins to enhance grid stability.

Regarding the management of electricity theft, particularly in squatter areas involving illegal immigrants, SESB plans to implement a prepaid system and conduct operations to disconnect any illegal connections, ensuring the safety of all.