Use electricity prudently in light of reduced rainfall in catchment areas of three HEPs, SEB advises

KUCHING, Aug 28 2026: State-owned sole power supplier Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has advised consumers to use electricity prudently, particularly air-conditioning and other cooling appliances in the light of the reduced rainfall in the catchment areas of the three hydro-electric powers (HEPs) due to the current dry weather conditions in the state.

Caption: Sarawak Energy Behad says that during prolonged dry periods, hydropower output may be reduced to conserve reservoir levels, while thermal generation is increased as needed to maintain reliable electricity supply.

It said this includes turning off the appliances that are not in use and spacing out the use of high-powered appliances rather than running them together.

SEB explained that reduced rainfall in the catchments since April 2025 has resulted in lower inflows into the reservoirs at Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai dams.

It said hydropower typically accounts for around 65 per cent of electricity supplied to the grid, with thermal generation making up roughly 34 per cent and other sources the remaining 1 per cent.

SEB explained that during prolonged dry periods, hydropower output may be reduced to conserve reservoir levels, while thermal generation is increased as needed to maintain reliable electricity supply.

“When reservoir conditions improve, the balance can be adjusted accordingly,” SEB said in a statement, adding that it continues to closely monitor hydrological and reservoir conditions at the three dams.

SEB also assured that, despite the prolonged dry weather, the state’s overall electricity supply remains reliable and Sufficient.

It said it is being supported by established planning and operational measures for managing hydrological conditions at its hydropower plants.

It said it is also working closely with key agencies including the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) and Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to coordinate the ongoing response.

SEB recalled that in May and June 2026, two cloud-seeding operations were carried out by the Sarawak government under the coordination of SDMC to encourage rainfall over major dam and water catchment areas.

It said a third series of cloud-seeding operations is tentatively scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 September 2026.

For enquiries or assistance, customers may contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, email customercare@sarawakenergy.com, access the SEB cares mobile appor web portal, or engage with its virtual agent, CARINA