Pre-amble

This website will give a brief historical development of electricity regulation in the State and information for the duties and tasks performed to regulate the Electricity Industry of the State.

It also provides procedures to follow for the various tasks executed by ESD,  allows for online applications and for various forms to be downloaded or printed.

Development of the State Electricity Regulation
The Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 137) and the Electricity Rules,1955 were the earlier regulatory frameworks that regulated the electricity in the State. The Ordinance provided for the appointment of the Chief Electrical Inspector who had the power, functions and duties that largely ensure safety through establishing or adopting standards and prudent practices. For over 40 years there had been no major revision made to The Electricity Rules, 1955 except for minor amendments. But in June 1999, this Electricity Rules was replaced with The Electricity Rules, 1999 which became effective on 1 January 2000. The introduction of this new Rules enhances the requirements for skill and competent persons and registration and licensing of contractors and installations. The Electricity Ordinance was revised and updated to incorporate all the amendments made over the years and became known as the Electricity Ordinance, Chapter 50 - (Revised 2003).

The inspectorate functions and duties of the Director of Electricity Supply were performed by the Electrical Branch of Public Works Department (Sarawak). In September 1994, these functions and duties were transferred to the Ministry of Finance and Public Utilities and continued to be performed by the Chief Electrical Inspector. To strengthen the implementation and enforcement of the provision in the Ordinance and the Electricity Rules, 1999, a new unit known as the Electrical Inspectorate Unit was established in June 1999 under the Ministry. On 1 July 2004, the Ministry of Public Utilities Sarawak was established with the Electrical Inspectorate Unit now comes under its jurisdiction.

With the introduction of the Electricity (State Grid Code) Rules, 2003, which came into effect on 1 January 2004, the role of regulating the electricity supply industry in the State is vested with the Electrical Inspectorate Unit. The Chief Electrical Inspector is re-designated as the Director of Electricity Supply.

State Regulatory Framework

The frameworks established in the State to effectively and efficiently regulate the State electricity industry are:

1. The Electricity Ordinance- Chapter 50 (Revised 2003).
2. The Electricity (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023
3. The Electricity Rules, 1999.
4. The Electricity (State Grid Code) Rules, 2003.

Policies On Electricity Supply

1.  General Policy
The general policy is to ensure availability of adequate, reliable, efficient, affordable and safe supply of electricity in the State which is managed in a sustainable manner.

2.  State Power Development
Optimal and sustainable development of the power requirements where the generation mix will be less dependent on fossil fuels and utilize indigenous hydro and coal resources to meet future electricity demand to ensure long term competitive pricing that will spur economic growth.

3.  Regional Power House
Development of hydro resources for trading of excess electricity beyond Sarawak that can facilitate in the optimal development of such indigenous resources in the State.

4.  Renewable Energy Development
To encourage renewable energy development such as biomass, biogas, municipal wastes, wind, solar and mini-hydro as the fifth fuel resources under the country's Fuel Diversification Policy.

5.  Electricity Tariff
An efficient tariff structure that is fair and equitable to the customers and reflects the real cost of supply to the various customer groups.

Functions of Electricity Supply Division

• To advise on the policy and direction with regard to the planning and development for an adequate, reliable, efficient, affordable and safe power system in the State.
• To monitor the technical performance of the electricity industry in general and licensees in particular to ensure technical compliances and public safety.
• Provide an environment that encourages continued investment in the sector, efficiency improvement and to protect consumer interests.
   

Duties of Electricity Supply Division

• Licensing of electricity generation and supply.
• Registration of electrical installations.
• Registration of electrical contractors.
• Issue Certificate of Competency for Competent Person.
• Establish or adopt technical and safety standards, monitor performance and enforce compliances.
• Safety of electrical equipment and appliances.
• Accidents notification and investigations.
• Technical and economic regulation in the planning, development and operation of the power grid system.