SEB: Third-party excavation works among main causes of blackouts
BINTULU: Third-party excavation works remains one of the main causes of power outages hitting the state, says Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB).
In a press statement issued in response to the power outage in Bintulu on April 8, it stated that a 33kV underground cable along Jalan Nyabau was damaged due to third-party excavation works on a rural project.
This situation disrupted the electricity supply to 1,800 customers across the division, including Bintulu Hospital.
“We received the outage report at 10.50am (April 8). Supply to all affected areas was fully restored within an hour through alternative feeders,” said SEB.
It added that power interruptions due to excavation works was ‘nothing new’ in Bintulu.
Sesco chief executive officer Lau Kim Swee, meanwhile, said 59 cases of power outage reported since 2016 stated that they were caused by excavation works – incurring damage worth RM400,000 in Bintulu alone.
“For Sarawak as a whole, the damage caused was close to RM3 million, with 352 cases recorded as at March this year.
“In most cases involving underground cables, it would normally take quite some time to locate the fault, especially at night, delaying restoration of power in the process.
“However, this incident happened during the day, which allowed us to locate the fault quickly, and with the presence of alternative feeders, we were able to restore the power supply within an hour,” Lau said.
He stressed on the everpresent electrical hazard, that the damaged cables due to excavation works would pose an immediate threat to nearby workers and members of the public within the vicinity.
“Despite constant reminders to contractors working close to electrical installations and area with critical lines, this continues to happen.
“Contractors are advised to check the cable route with us to make sure that everything is safe, and follow the guidelines as well as not to assume the location or the depth of the underground cables.
“Taking these basic precautionary measures would avoid many unwanted incidents, and to ensure the safety of the contractors and their workers.”
Lau also said all related incidents could be avoided if only the contractors practised proper planning, consultation and precautionary measures.
“Staff should also take proactive measures to visit construction sites and advise contractors to check for any presence of underground cables before they excavate.”
Contractors found to have caused damage to electrical facilities would be required to pay for the repair works, and could also face prosecution in court.
In addition, a report would be sent to the Electrical Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry of Utilities and Department of Occupational Safety and Health for record.
To avoid unnecessary inconvenience, contractors can contact SEB’s technical team via 1300-88-3111, or send emails to customercare@sarawakenergy. com.my for any assistance in checking any cable route before excavation works commence.