Power supply to villages in Bario to be fully restored by today

KUCHING: The electricity supply in Bario, which was disrupted last Friday, should be fully restored by today – thanks to intensive efforts by Sarawak Energy Bhd, which included the deployment of extra manpower from Miri and Sibu.

In a statement issued yesterday, the state- owned energy development and power utility company said the power supply to 11 out of 12 villages there had been restored.

The affected villages are Kampung Baru, Padang Pasir, Ulung Palang Atas, Ulung Palang Bawah, Pa Ukat, Pa Umor, Arur Dalan, Bario Asal, Arur Layun, Pa Derung, Pa Ramapuh Atas and Pa Ramapuh Bawah.

“Power to the remaining village, Pa Derung, is expected to be restored by 2pm on Dec 10,” said SEB, adding that the interruption was caused by a fault at the Bario central solar hybrid power station.

“The interruption occurred when prolonged cloudy weather conditions affected solar generation at the power station, during the switchover to the power plant’s back-up diesel generators.

“Three technical teams, including one flown in via a chartered helicopter, expedited repair works on restoring (electricity) supply to the people of Bario. A technical team arrived at the site on Saturday by road.”

SEB said their deployment was delayed due to challenging terrains and the rainy weather, which affected the timber tracks normally used to access Bario, which has limited air connectivity.

It said in normal conditions, the journey via the timber track from the Miri technical team base would take approximately 14 hours.

“SEB apologises to the Bario community for the inconvenience caused, and has launched an immediate investigation into the cause,” the corporation said.