SESB Supports Environmental Preservation

SESB generator set at 8.30am

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) supports the preservation of the environment, especially with the operation of its power generator sets. 

According to SESB’s Managing Director, Ir. Hj Abd Razak Sallim, the Patau-Patau Generation Plant which is operated by SESB has complied and received the ISO 14000: Environmental Management System on 3rd December 2010. 

For the other SESB power plants such as the Tenom Pangi Hydroelectric and Melawa Power Station, both stations are in the process of getting the same certification. 

Apart from this, four other SESB power stations have received the approval to operate its generation sets from the Department of Environment. 

Smaller power generation stations such as in Ranau are also in the process of getting certification to ensure minimal impact to the surrounding areas and operate within the limits of the environmental act. 

SESB would like to clarify here that the black smoke emitted from generation sets at the Ranau Power Station will only occur for a short period during the startup of the engines and not continously as reported in the media recently. 

The emission of black smoke at startup is normal for diesel power generator sets that are more than 5 years old. 

However, should there be continuous emmission of black smoke, SESB will instantly turn the generator set off for immediate repair work. Scheduled implementation of maintenance based on the Original Engine Manufacturer (OEM) guidlines is also strictly adhered to in ensuring optimal usage of the sets. 

SESB will continuously ensure that guidelines set by the Department of Environment and other related enforcement agencies will not be breached. 

Since Ranau is not connected to the Sabah Grid System, the operations of the Ranau Power Station is important to sustain the needs of consumers within the district. As of September 2012, there are 11,215 registered customers in the district of Ranau alone with the demand of 5.4MW per day. 

Apart from this, work to complete the 132 kV line from Kota Belud to Ranau and the Ranau Main Intake Station is underway which will enable connection of the Ranau Power Station to the Sabah and FT Labuan Grid System.

The implementation of this project is funded by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and expected to complete in two years. With the completion of this project, the diesel generator sets will be put out of commission. 

Source: http://e-sabahdaily.com/news/2012/10/04/sesb-supports-environmental-preservation/