KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) is committed to ensure security of electricity supply to avoid inconveniencing consumers.

Acknowledging recent incidents of power interruption, SEB said in a press statement yesterday that like other power utility providers, it encountered unplanned outages caused by natural elements like lightning, thunderstorms, trees and animals coming into contact with power lines and equipment.

The power supply interruption that occurred in Kuching on Nov 11 was triggered by lightning activities in the vicinity of the 275kV Engkilili-Mambong lines, which caused them to trip.

The incident on Friday, Nov 23, that affected Kuching and Sibu regions was a result of the Selangau-Kemena line 2 tripping.

Fortunately, the Special Protection Scheme (SPS) was triggered to prevent further blackout, and power was fully restored within 30 minutes.

Then on Monday, Nov 26 one of the Bakun generating units tripped.

SEB recognised these problems and is taking measures like reinforcing transmission systems to mitigate the impact from unexpected outages and power interruptions.

They include construction of the Engkilili-Entinggan Transmission Line, which is 98 per cent complete, and expected for completion in March 2013 to provide the second 275 kV link to Kuching.

SEB will soon commence ringing the existing grid system with the construction of the 500kV transmission backbone.

This 600km second transmission line is to be constructed in two phases for completion in 2014 and 2015 respectively. With the completion of this second grid, the state will be well protected against system blackout.

The initiatives mentioned above will enhance the system’s performance against unplanned outages.

SEB regrets and apologises for the unexpected power outages and is taking measures to minimise such incidents and improve its restoration processes for the interest of consumers

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/11/28/sarawak-energy-ensures-security-of-electricity-supply/#ixzz2EEKbffeP