Identification of deficiencies of electricity connection charges guidelines

Abstract

Complaints on issues and matters related to connection charges are very common for electricity supply utility companies around the world including Sarawak Energy Berhad. In order to identify the areas that can be improved, a mix method of exploratory research has been designed and undertaken rather than a single method of survey. This will ensure a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the issues from various target groups, and in this case the individual and non-individual customers. In this study, a survey questionnaire was designed to collect quantitative data from a group of internal wiring contractors representing individual customers applying for the connection of supply. The findings revealed that there are areas of improvement for Sarawak Energy Berhad's connection charges guidelines in terms of differentiation of dedicated and shared assets which leads to unfairness to the connecting customers, inconsistency, and non-transparent in charging. Study results were found to be comparable to the previous study on non-individual customers. Issues of the main concerns of both groups of customers are found to be related to the pricing methodology.