Mar 16, 2010

SESB justifies purchase of 2nd-hand generators

KOTA KINABALU: The purchase of 32 units of second-hand mobile generators was the quickest solution in overcoming a serious power shortage in Sabah’s east coast.

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) said these generators were readily available and acquiring new units would have taken at least a year.

SESB managing director Baharin Din said this in response to criticism from government and opposition leaders who questioned the purchase of the generators that constantly broke down and failed to solve the power-shortage problems.

He said the use of the mobile generators was agreed upon by all the parties concerned during a joint briefing by SESB for elected representatives on Aug 18, 2009.

“It is one of the interim measures to address the power shortage pending the completion of several independent power producer projects,” he said.

He said that SESB worked with Sime Darby Industrial, the sole agent and Malaysia’s largest mobile generator provider, to obtain 32 units (40MW) for immediate installation in Tawau and Sandakan.

“It was the best option as we wanted to fast track the project,” he said.

He said that SESB was protected by a performance and buy-back guarantee from Sime Darby Industrial.

“With the guarantee, whether the set is new or old is not an issue. The company has also guaranteed to buy back the sets when SESB improves power supply and creates a reserve margin,” he added.

Baharin said that independent power producer Ranhill Powertron II had begun generating 65MW and this would be followed with another 65MW by April 30.

Once their system was fully operational on Sept 1 this year, it would provide 190MW, he added.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Ghapur Salleh had called for a probe on the purchase of the second-hand generator sets after SESB failed to stabilise power supply to the east coast Tawau area by Dec 24 last year.