KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has acknowledged that seven per cent of the new "smart meter" in its ongoing drive to replace its older equipment has resulted in arrears' charges.
The state-owned electricity company explained the higher electricity bills some consumers had received were generally attributed to the "enhanced accuracy of the new meters, under-registration by older meters, or seasonal changes in energy consumption"
"Where older meters were under-reporting usage, the new meters record energy consumption more precisely, which may result in higher charges," it added.
Sarawak Energy, however, gave an assurance that the arrears bills were issued only when irregularities were detected in the previous meters, following its operational and retail arm, Syarikat Sesco Berhad's standard operating procedures (SOP) and the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance.
It said consumers who had received arrears notifications had been provided with detailed explanations of the increase. However, those who have queries are advised to visit the nearest Sarawak Energy customer service counter for assistance.
Sarawak Energy has described the new meter as "advanced" to obtain more accurate and real-time readings of electricity consumption when compared with the older meters that relied on manual readings or estimates.
"Smart meters offer a wide range of benefits to consumers in Sarawak, including precise and real-time tracking of electricity consumption.
"This ensures that customers receive bills that accurately reflect their actual energy usage, eliminating inaccuracies associated with manual readings and estimates, and fostering greater transparency in billing."
Sarawak Energy said with accurate consumption data, the smart meter "empowers customers to manage their energy usage more effectively and potentially reduce electricity costs".
The smart meter is a central component of Sarawak Energy's ongoing efforts to digitalise its energy infrastructure, in alignment with its goal of becoming a digital utility by 2025.
Additionally, the initiative supports Sarawak's vision of creating a more efficient and reliable energy infrastructure, contributing to the region's overall development and sustainability.
Aligned with its digital transformation goals, Sarawak Energy now issues bills electronically through email for consumers with smart meters.