T EEAM had a dialogue with Ir Azman Mohd, the Vice President of Distribution, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Distribution on 11th November 2009 at Wisma TNB, Petaling Jaya. TEEAM President, Engr Fu Wing Hoong led a 6-member delegation to the dialogue.

Issues discussed at the dialogue were:

G&H Forms

Contractors are requested to prepare G&H forms (Supervision & Completion Certificate and Test Certificate) in pink and yellow colour respectively.  Previously these forms are supplied by TNB and there is no problem of non-standardised coloured forms. TEEAM proposed the use of white form as it is inconvenient to make copies in colour.  This is required by TNB Melawati and Kuala Selangor.

Ir Azman confirmed that the G&H forms can be accepted in white to avoid inconvenience and TNB offices will be notified.

Submission of Chargemen/ Wiremen Certificate

Contractors find it unnecessary to attach a copy of the chargemen/wiremen certificate for each form submission for the same project. We felt that one copy of the said certificate will be sufficient for the whole project.

TNB agreed that one copy of the said certificate is sufficient for the whole project. In fact, TNB is working with Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) to share their competent persons’ registration information online.  This will allow quick and accurate reference.

E-Application for Electricity Supply

Under the e-application exercise, a contractor who wishes to register in various district offices has to be physically present at these offices to be registered.  This is causing inconvenience to the contractors.

TNB responded that the utility is working on the new data system which will allow contractors to register online in all districts.  The system will be ready by the first quarter of 2010.

Litigation Declaration

TEEAM highlighted that it is a requirement by TNB that tendering company must submit an affidavit to declare they are free from any form of litigation, failing which the tender will be rejected.  TEEAM felt that tendering company should not be denied the opportunity or right to seek redress through legal means against others like debtors owing the company monies for services or products delivered.

The barring will cause additional great loss to the tendering company leaving them with no new business opportunity with TNB. Exception could be that there shall be no current litigation between the tendering company with TNB and not other companies.

TNB clarified that the Distribution does not practise such a requirement in their tender. Perhaps in the Transmission Division, such a requirement is practiced.  The reason is to check if the supplier is being sued for product failure by the user.  This will be a concern if TNB were to procure similar product.

Local Products with SGP

TEEAM received unfavourable comment from the industry about TNB officials rejecting the use of certain brand of equipment although with valid Sijil Gunapakai (SGP).

This has caused TNB contractors not to purchase equipment from certain manufacturers.  This unfair treatment has caused hardship to the local manufacturers.

TNB clarified that this is an isolated case whereby the officer concerned had a bad experience with that particular product.  TNB agreed that product having gone through SGP certification is tested safe in the system.

TNB Specification

TEEAM suggested TNB to make its product specification as Malaysian Standard and then make the Malaysian Standard mandatory.  In this way there is no necessity to have Sijil Gunapakai.

TNB commented product certification is on design and performance based.  While standards are meeting the minimum safety aspect.  SGP is comprehensive as the product is put in the system on trial for a certain period.

Nominal Voltage

The current voltage declared by ST is 230 V & 400 V with + 10% -6%.  TEEAM hoped that TNB will switch supply to the new voltage.  TNB does not foresee any problem on the switching.

Disconnection of Electricity Supply

TEEAM sought clarification on TNB disconnecting supply due to unpaid electricity bill by previous tenant.

TNB confirmed that if the account is not under the owner’s name, then he is not liable. Owners are advised to track their tenants’ electricity bill.  They can register up to three accounts with TNB to track their bills.

Power Factor Correction

TNB informed that the utility will charge commercial consumer and light industry who are using direct 3-phase electronic meter with low power factor.  The penalty is as per the tariff.

TEEAM representatives – (from left) Mr Jack Soon Lee Hock (Assistant Honorary Secretary), Mr Ho Khai Hong (Honorary Secretary), Engr Leong Kam Seng (Vice President), Mr Yap Ching Kiat (Vice President), Ir Chew Shee Fuee (Vice President) and Engr Fu Wing Hoong (President).