Let Sabah residents install solar panels amid blackouts: state minister

KOTA KINABALU – The state’s Energy Commission (ECoS) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) should allow residents to install solar panels amid the power shortage, said state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe.

He said there are many restrictions on solar panel installation in residential areas, and only a limited number of applicants are allowed to do so.

“I call it – democratising energy for the people. Solar energy will provide an alternative for Sabah to generate power, reducing the burden on SESB because the community will have a micro electricity grid.

“With the power shortage Sabah is facing, we are racing against time. Short-term and long-term measures must be taken immediately for a sustainable Sabah,” he said in a statement today.

Phoong was responding to a recent series of state-wide mass power disruptions that saw the public criticising SESB’s capabilities.

He said he was made to understand by ECoS CEO Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid and SESB CEO Mohd Yaakob Jaafar that the power disruptions were caused by higher demand during the ongoing hot spell.

Demand for power has reached 1080 MW, while power generation capacity could only reach 1011 MW, causing power disruptions that have affected many areas in Sabah.

“The insufficient supply was also caused by several power plants that are being maintained. Last year, the Pangi hydroelectric power plant at Kudat was damaged by a landslide.

“In short, our power supply is insufficient at the moment.”

Currently, Sabah’s power generation is 90% dependent on natural gas, which Phoong said is limited and expensive.

He said as a short-term measure, Sabah is acquiring a mobile generator that could supply up to 100MW in additional power.

He has also asked SESB to issue a notice to inform consumers of the power rationing schedule.

As for a long-term plan, four months ago, Phoong had sought professional assistance from the private sector to assist Sabah.

He said Sabah government has looked into hydroelectricity, like Sarawak, but it is difficult due to the size of Sabah’s rivers and concerns over its effect on the environment and locals living in the area.

“So, we are left with solar. I have also been actively seeking investment to develop the green and renewable energy sector and have been exploring the ocean thermal energy conversion and batteries that could store solar energy, to help Sabah develop sustainably.” – The Vibes, May 20, 2023