TEEAM paid a courtesy visit to YBhg Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Chairman of the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST) on 13th May 2010. TEEAM took the opportunity to highlight to ST on the on-going activities of the association and current issues faced by members.
Highlights of the discussion were:
Green & Renewable Energy
TEEAM is in support of the government’s initiative to push for green technology but due to high cost of initial investment such as the grid connected solar photovoltaic generation, the association looks forward to the government for support in providing incentives to the private sector to encourage participation. TEEAM is prepared to work together with ST to achieve this national agendum.
ST highlighted that Malaysia will start Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for renewable energy resources by 2011. The tariff for connected solar photovoltaic generation will be between RM1.25 – RM1.75 per kWh for 21 years. The tariff is still in the finalisation process. Energy
Efficiency & Power Factor
TNB imposes a penalty on industry and commercial consumers with power factor below 0.85. TEEAM feels that there should be an equal incentive for improvement of this power factor. The association hopes that ST will advise our government/TNB to encourage consumers to improve their power factor. For any power factor improvement to 0.9 and above, consumers should be rewarded with some monetary value. TEEAM believes such incentive will promote energy efficiency; promote innovation of electrical equipment to achieve high power factor; help in Malaysia’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; and generate better revenue for TNB/SESCO/SEB thus no pressure to increase electricity tariff.
Phasing out of Incandescent Lamps
The government had just announced the phasing out of incandescent lamps. While TEEAM supports the government’s move to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the implementation should not be too drastic. Manufacturers and importers must be given sufficient time to adapt and there must be continuous dialogues with stakeholders to draw up a programme for gradual phasing out. Meanwhile, the manufacturers and agents can self-regulate by cutting down their production and sales of these inefficient light sources. Moreover the price and reliability of the energy efficient lamps should reach a more acceptable level.
ST had dialogues with stakeholders on the gradual phasing out programme. Incandescent lamps will be phased out in two phases. First is lamp of 100 watt and above to be phased out from January 2011 to December 2011. The second phase is for all types to be phased out from January 2012 to December 2013.
Shortage of Wiremen and Chargemen
The industry faces shortage of competent personnel such as wiremen and chargemen. TEEAM believes that the prerequisite of academic qualification of SPM or SPVM to sit for such examination has prevented many skilled workers from getting certified. As wiremen and chargemen are skilled vocations rather than academic jobs, emphasis should be on skills. TEEAM believes more can be certified to meet the industry’s demand if this constraint is removed.
ST clarified that the prerequisite of academic qualification of at least Form Five is required for sitting the wiremen and chargemen examination. This is to ensure competency is achieved.
Proposed High Power Laboratory
Currently there are no short circuit facilities to test switchgears, transformers and switchboards within the country. TEEAM has raised in many forums on the need to establish a full fledged electro-technical testing laboratory to propel the manufacturing sector. Such laboratory has to be independent from SIRIM, to be managed and operated jointly between authorities, domestic manufacturers association in the electrical industry and government users. TEEAM looks forward to ST’s full support for such independent testing laboratory.
ST welcomes such a proposal by TEEAM which helps to drive the electrical industry forward. Domestic investment in the manufacture of power equipment will be increased to make Malaysia a major exporter.
Enforcement of Malaysian Standards & Market Surveillance
TEEAM highlighted that the lack of enforcement on non-compliant products has made these products easily available in the local market. Hence post market surveillance with proper framework must be established to monitor products to ensure compliance with standards and regulations. TEEAM believes this will help a long way towards raising product safety and quality. It is hoped that our government will provide funding to establish post market surveillance involving the participation of industry players. The industry is hoping for RM1 million per year for the next five years to finance post market surveillance. TEEAM believes members can play an active role to ensure good market surveillance and hence enforcement.
Ceiling Fans Accidents
There is a high risk of ceiling fan falling due to improper installation. Ceiling fans in public area must have a secondary suspension system. A third safety feature, either a power cut-off device or factory fitted down rod has been proposed to be in the Malaysian Standard. ST welcomes such a proposal for added safety.
Conclusion
The meeting concluded with a note of thanks to the Chair. TEEAM looks forward to work closely with ST for the betterment of the electrical supply industry.
ST Chairman – (centre) YBhg Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali chairing the meeting.
Meeting in progress – Some pressing issues were raised to ST.