KUCHING: Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) appreciates comments made by local people’s representatives who are supporting Sesco to combat power theft in the state which is still rampant.

However, Sesco would like to correct the recent statement made by Dudong assemblyman Yap Hoi Liong, saying that Sesco is causing injustice to the consumers.

Sesco reiterated in a statement issued yesterday that they had proper guidelines and procedures in carrying out inspection and replacement of meters.

Sesco technicians would not simply replace meters unless there are irregularities found which warrant immediate replacement either due to being tampered with or to safety concerns.

Sesco technicians are properly trained to detect meter irregularities and have competence to replace meters safely.

“As we are regulated by law, the meter inspection is an authorised exercise under the purview of the Electricity Ordinance. Law abiding citizens will not have any complaints or problems in relation to this exercise,” said a spokesperson.

The spokesperson clarified that not all replaced meters would be charged with arrears.

The replaced meters will be sent to Sesco Meter Laboratory for verification and arrears bills will only be issued if the meter is found tampered with or has under registered the monthly energy consumption.

For all irregularities detected and as part of Sesco standard procedure, a police report will be lodged and investigations will be carried out.

The statement also mentioned that Sesco has an arrears appeal process for customers to come in to appeal if the customer has queries about the arrears amount.

During the interview, the arrears computation and evidence of meter irregularities will be explained to the customer.

If the customer has supporting documents to support their appeal, Sesco would revise the arrears amount accordingly.

To date, Sesco has received 284 appeal cases and 166 cases have been approved with the amount revised based on evidence and supporting documents provided by the customers.

Sesco would like to again thank all political members and members of the public for supporting Sesco in its effort to reduce power theft crimes.

“Power theft in the State is still very rampant with Sibu still registering the highest percentage. In the State, the overall annual losses due to power theft is around RM70 million. Sesco would continue its effort to carry out meter inspection in the state.”

Sesco reinforces that stealing electricity is a dangerous crime punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance with a fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of five years or both.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/10/24/sesco-clarifies-meter-inspections-carried-out-under-proper-guidelines/#ixzz2jqa81F5y