SERIAN – A major infrastructure project is underway in Serian and Tebedu, where a new electricity substation valued at more than RM200 million is being built to address persistent supply disruptions.
The facility, designed with a capacity of 275 kilovolts (kV), is expected to significantly strengthen the region’s power reliability once completed.
The initiative, led by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), comes in response to rising demand for electricity in the area.
Current systems operating at 33kV and 11kV have already exceeded their limits, resulting in frequent interruptions.
The new substation is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2028, forming part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to modernise its energy infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, and Kedup State Assemblyman, Datuk Martin Ben, explained that the surge in electricity usage is linked to population growth and the increasing reliance on household appliances.
“This situation is due to the increased use of electrical appliances in homes, in line with population growth and local development,” he said during the Adjournment Ceremony of the Bi-Annual General Meeting of the Serian Division Bidayuh Community Heads Association.
In the meantime, SEB has introduced short-term measures to ease the strain on the grid. These include upgrading existing service lines and intensifying vegetation clearance around electricity infrastructure to reduce risks of outages.
The company has also urged residents to lodge complaints through official channels such as the SEB Careline to ensure issues are addressed promptly.
Electricity demand across Sarawak is projected to rise by more than 30 per cent by 2028, according to state utility forecasts.
This growth is driven by both domestic consumption and industrial expansion under the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Large-scale projects, such as the Baleh Hydroelectric Plant, are also being developed to meet future needs, highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainable and reliable energy provision.
The Serian substation project is part of SEB’s wider investment in strengthening the grid, which includes multiple substation upgrades across rural and semi-urban areas.
These efforts aim to ensure that communities benefit from stable electricity supply, supporting local development and improving quality of life.
Residents in Serian and Tebedu have long voiced concerns about power interruptions, particularly during peak usage hours.
The new substation is expected to provide a lasting solution, reducing dependency on overstretched systems and aligning with Sarawak’s ambition to achieve developed state status by 2030.
By enhancing electricity reliability, the project is anticipated to support economic growth, attract investment, and improve living standards in the region.
For local communities, the development represents not only improved infrastructure but also a step towards greater resilience in meeting future energy demands.
