Opening of RM100m Murum junction substation marks a milestone to provide 24-hour electricity supply in rural areas

BINTULU, September 18, 2017 -   Sarawak Energy Berhad’s 275kV Murum junction substation was declared open today, marking  a significant milestone in the state’s continued efforts to provide a reliable 24-hour power supply in rural areas.

The RM100 million 275kV Murum junction substation which was officially opened by Minister for Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundie Utom

The transmission substation, built at a cost of RM100million, integrates bulk power generated from the 2,400MW Bakun and 944MW Murum Hydroelectric Plants.

From the substation, power is supplied to villages through rural substations as well as into the state grid via the Similajau transmission substation.

The extra-high voltage transmission substation was declared open by Minister for Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundie Utom, who in his speech, said the Murum substation is a game changer for rural development in Sarawak.

“With the extra high voltage Murum substation located in the rural area, we are able to grid-connect rural towns, villages and longhouses in the vicinity. 

The Bakun Resettlement Scheme at Sungei Asap and Sungei Koyan is already receiving supply from the substation, replacing its diesel-powered station.

Belaga town and longhouses along the way will be connected to this substation, and eventually the Belaga diesel power plant will also be decommissioned.

This line will subsequently be extended to Punan Bah and will supply longhouses along the way.

The Murum substation will be utilising covered-conductors to connect to Belaga town by the end of next year, as part of the state’s effort to constantly explore ways to improve on the performance of the distribution system in the rural areas.

The installation of these insulated lines will be undertaken and fully financed by Sarawak Energy at a cost of around RM40mil.

Among those present at the opening of the substation were  Assistant Minister for Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Assistant Minister for Water Supply Datuk Liwan Lagang, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Utilities Datuk Alice Jawan, SEB ’s Group Chief Executive Officer Sharbini Suhaili, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Murum State Assemblyman Kennedy Chupkai Ugon.