Sabah Electricity inching towards adoption of smart meters

KOTA KINABALU: Utility company Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is a step closer to implementing smart meters to record electricity usage in homes and premises here.

SESB chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said a tender exercise was held from April 16 to June 12 for companies wishing to be part of the initiative.

“Now, the tender applications are being analysed before being brought to the board's tender management committee and subsequently, its procurement and finance committee," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 18).

Earlier, National Consumer Foundation Sabah chairman David Chan said the SESB should start using smart meters which were more efficient and convenient to track and record power usage than conventional ones.

He said smart meters provide real-time data, allowing consumers to monitor their usage more effectively and make informed decisions about their energy use.

This convenience helps manage energy bills better and avoid unexpected high charges, he added.

Chan said smart meters can ensure more accurate billing by providing precise and timely data, reducing the likelihood of estimated bills and billing errors, thereby building trust between consumers and utility providers.

Chan said smart meters would involve a significant investment in infrastructure and technology, but the long-term benefits for both consumers and the environment could be substantial.

On a related matter, Tangau urged consumers to download the mySESB mobile application to pay bills online, access billing information, receive updates and information, file complaints and reports, among others.