Lower power tariffs for all from April

Commercial, industrial users set to join domestic consumers in enjoying cheaper electricity

SIBU: Commercial and industrial consumers in the state will be able to enjoy lower electricity tariffs starting April this year.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the state government had agreed to extend the reduction in power tariffs to commercial and industrial consumers.

“We had reduced the tariffs for domestic users starting January this year. If you compare your bill now for similar amount of power consumption, it will be less than before.

“If we can build Bakun, Murum, Batang Ai dams and give lower power rates for foreign investors, why not do the same for our own people?

“Industrial and commercial users just wait for my announcement in April,” he said when officiating at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Sibu Chinese New Year gathering here yesterday. Present at the function were Adenan’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, SUPP president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, organising chairman Robert Lau Hui Yew and Temenggong Vincent Lau.

The tariff reductions for domestic consumers in Sarawak range from two per cent to over 40 per cent effective Jan 1 this year. Under the revision, almost 60,000 domestic consumers joined the 70,000 who were already eligible for the federal government’s RM20 subsidy.

On another matter, Adenan said the oil royalty for the state was still five per cent and it was still seeking an increase. So far, he said Petronas had agreed to give RM2.1 billion worth of contracts to Sarawak companies.

“They also have agreed to spend RM50 million for their corporate social responsibility projects in the state,” he said. Therefore, he called for support from the people to help him realise their wishes.

“These are the things that we can do together. I cannot do this thing alone.

“I need your full backing so that people will listen to me,” he said.