NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
25 MAY 2026

The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak is encouraging more domestic customers to adopt rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems through the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, helping households better manage electricity costs while contributing to Sarawak’s energy transition.

The Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, said wider participation in NEM supports Sarawak’s direction to diversify its renewable energy sources, with solar playing an increasingly important role alongside hydropower in building a more resilient and future-ready energy system while ensuring that the state’s energy transition benefits the rakyat. He said this during the Launch of NEM Awareness Campaign, today in Kuching.

“The energy transition cannot be achieved by government and industry alone. It requires the inclusive participation of the rakyat. Through initiatives such as NEM, the Sarawak Government will continue to introduce progressive policies that benefit the rakyat and enable every Sarawakian to participate meaningfully in the energy transition,” he said at the launch of the NEM Awareness Campaign here.

Sarawak is targeting 1.5GW of solar capacity by 2030 and 3.5GW by 2035 in line with the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 and Sarawak Energy Transition Policy. These policies support Sarawak’s target of 10GW generation capacity by 2030 and 15GW by 2035, while maintaining at least 60% of its generation mix from renewable sources.

Sarawak is also expanding solar development through larger-scale solar initiatives such as floating solar, with rooftop solar under NEM complementing the state’s broader renewable energy mix.

To date, approximately 800 applications have been received under the NEM scheme, reflecting growing interest in rooftop solar among customers in Sarawak. Completed and ongoing installations continue to contribute additional solar capacity to the grid, supporting wider adoption of renewable energy at the household and community level.

The NEM subsidy has a total allocation of RM10.24 million, provided on a first come, first served basis, subject to network quota availability. The subsidy supports eligible Domestic customers by reducing upfront installation costs, with assistance ranging from RM8,000 to RM12,000 depending on system capacity.

As Sarawak Energy’s operations and retail arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) will continue to support the safe and reliable integration of rooftop solar into the electricity grid system. SESCO Chief Executive Officer Yusri Safri said NEM allows households to play a more active role in renewable energy generation.

“NEM is a practical way to empower consumers to participate in the energy transition. Customers today are no longer just consumers of electricity, they are becoming small-scale generators, contributing directly to the grid. Sarawak Energy will continue to ensure safe installation, compliance with grid requirements and system reliability as participation increases,” he said.

Under the scheme, domestic customers with solar PV systems can channel generated electricity into the grid through the NEM mechanism. The electricity supplied to the grid is offset against electricity consumed, helping to reduce monthly electricity costs. Rooftop solar can also help reduce demand during peak daytime hours, easing pressure on the electricity system and supporting greater integration of renewable energy into the grid.

The subsidy scheme aims to make rooftop solar installations more accessible to domestic customers by reducing upfront costs. The subsidy amount varies according to installation size, with RM12,000 for systems above 6 to 50kWac, RM10,000 for systems above 3.5 to 6kWac and RM8,000 for systems ranging from 2 to 3.5kWac. The subsidy also helps shorten the estimated payback period for eligible domestic customers.

To ensure safety and quality, all NEM installations must be carried out by installers with Chargeman L4 certification issued under The Electricity Rules,1999 by the Electrical Inspectorate Unit, MUT Sarawak.

Applications for NEM must be submitted to Sarawak Energy’s customer service counter by the appointed SESCO registered contractor on behalf of the customer.

For more information on the subsidy scheme and application process, customers may visit Sarawak Energy’s official website, contact the 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, reach out via the SEB cares mobile application, email customercare@sarawakenergy.com or visit Sarawak Energy’s customer service counters.

Group photo with the Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, as well as the leadership of MUT and Sarawak Energy.

In his welcoming remarks, SESCO CEO Yusri Safri said NEM allows households to play a more active role in renewable energy generation and serves as a practical way to empower consumers to participate in the energy transition.

The Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, said wider participation in NEM supports Sarawak’s direction to diversify its renewable energy sources, with solar playing an increasingly important role alongside hydropower in building a more resilient and future-ready energy system, while ensuring that the state’s energy transition benefits the rakyat.

Group photo with representatives from MUT, MEESty, Resident and District Offices, local authorities, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, community leaders and NEM domestic customers.