SARAWAK LAUNCHES NEM SCHEME IN HOUSING PROJECT
KUCHING, March 14 (Bernama) -- Sarawak launched the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme at the Hainton Residences smart housing project here today.
The NEM scheme, which involves 15 housing units, was implemented under a collaboration between Gabungan Binaan Jurutenaga Sdn Bhd, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak and Sarawak Energy.
“Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the NEM scheme is a billing mechanism for solar PV users to generate and export electricity back to the electricity grid.
“This means that 1 kilowatt per hour (kWh) exported to the grid will be offset by 1 kWh consumed from the grid. This will reduce the users’ electricity bills.
“We do not have a target (on the number of users for the NEM scheme in Sarawak) just that we encourage more participation from domestic users, companies or factories under the NEM scheme,” he said at the launch of the scheme at the Hainton Residences in Samariang, here, today.
Julaihi said those interested in taking part in the scheme can apply to the ministry and the application will be jointly discussed with Sarawak Energy as the implementing agency.
He said the cost of equipment and system installation for the scheme is estimated at RM7,000 per kilowatt and, for new housing, the cost can be included in the housing loan with banks.
Meanwhile, commenting on the internet coverage in rural areas, he said his ministry targets to build a total of 7,000 communication towers statewide.
“(So far) We have built more than 50 per cent of the communication towers,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
