Let households sell electricity back to Sesco, Chong suggests

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Chong has suggested that the state government look into implementing a mechanism for SEB to buy back electricity. File Photo

KUCHING: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen has suggested that the Sarawak government look into introducing a new mechanism or regulatory system which allows households to sell electricity back to Sesco.

This, the Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman said, would not only reduce the electricity bills of households but at the same time, reduce the need for the power company to generate more electricity in the state.

“This is a trend that is carried out recently in the UK where a law is being passed to allow power generators there to purchase electricity from households.

“This will also encourage the development of solar power industry with the production of photovoltaic solar panels where the cost of these panels will decrease at a very fast pace and in turn allow many households to install them on top of their rooftops,” he said when debating the Natural Resources and Environment (Amendment) Bill, 2019, at the State Legislative Assembly today.

In view of this, he called on the state government to be more “forward looking” in conserving energy and reducing the reliance of Sesco on producing electricity.

Chong said while he does not have any objection in the proposed amendment of the Bill, he also pointed out that there appears to be an inconsistency on the state government’s policy where though they want to ban open burning but at the same time, encourage the building of dams.

“It has already been proven through studies that building of dams have in fact destroyed forests and in areas where dams are located, there’s huge emissions of carbon dioxide and methane gas which is polluting the environment.

“There should be a balance on the part of the state government and they should reveal the mega dam projects that’s in the pipeline.”