MARUDI: Residents of Marudi will have improved supply reliability with the installation of a new 500kVA transformer to meet the riverine town’s increased power needs.
“The installation of the new higher capacity transformer will cater for greater demand and load increase caused by new commercial development in Marudi town. It will provide better system reliability which is a key focus area for Sarawak Energy’s operations,” said Tan Joo Kok, Sarawak Energy’s Regional Manager for Miri.
On 29 July, power supply to parts of Marudi was interrupted due to a faulty 300kVA transformer at one of the 11kV substations.
Power was normalised within a few hours with full restoration by the next day.
The faulty transformer was immediately replaced prior to the installation of the new higher capacity 500kVA which was commissioned on 7 August.
“While works were in progress, Sarawak Energy engaged directly with Marudi’s local community leaders to ensure that they were kept informed on the progress of the upgrading works,” said Tan of last month’s power interruption.
“We have been in touch with the local Yang Berhormats or YB’s to update them on our progress and also to learn more about the needs of Marudi residents,” said Tan, adding that these engagements also provided a platform for the community’s representatives to engage directly with Sarawak Energy for any queries they may have.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance overall system reliability and modernise Sarawak’s power system, Sarawak Energy is building new substations and upgrading existing facilities throughout the state.
In parallel, operations teams have stepped up initiatives to minimise the risk of unplanned interruptions by increasing line patrols as well as maintenance and vegetation management at vulnerable overhead lines.
