Dewan Rakyat passes Electricity Supply Bill and Energy Commission Bill

The Star

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Electricity Supply Bill (Amendment) 1990 and the Energy Commission (Amendment) Bill that aims to regulate the importation and exportation of electricity, as well as green attributes.
The Electricity Supply Bill was passed via a voice vote after debates from 12 MPs from across the government and Opposition blocs.
The Electricity Supply Bill, which involves 16 amendments to the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447), aims to regulate electricity importers and exporters.
Winding up debates, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said electricity exports will only proceed if there is an excess and secure supply domestically.
'Currently, our reserve margins are at optimum levels, ranging between 23% to 28%,' he said, adding that the priority will always be for domestic energy supplies.
'This ensures import and export activities do not affect our country's electricity supply,' he added.
Akmal Nasrullah also said import and export activities will not affect electricity tariffs on domestic users in the peninsula as it is on a business-to-business basis.
On the heavy penalties imposed, he said it is based on laws like the Strategic Trade Act 2010.
'We consider the electricity trade as strategic for the country. While it may seem heavy, the main goal is to prevent offences when it comes to licensing, imports and exports,' he said.
Amendments on Act 477 include the insertion of Section 22D, which prohibits the importation of electricity or exportation of electricity without licence.
Offenders can face a fine of up to RM30mil, imprisonment of at least 10 years, or both.
Any licensed importer or exporter of electricity who, without lawful excuse, breaches any terms or conditions of their licence under Section 22D of Act 477 commits an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine of up to RM5mil, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Section 50c has also been amended to empower the Energy Commission to issue guidelines on the import, export and green attributes of renewable energy.
Subsequently, the Energy Commission Bill, which aims to amend the Energy Commission Act 2001 (Act 610) to empower the Energy Commission to monitor the import and export of electricity, was passed after a debate by four MPs from both sides of the divide.
'This Bill is important to guarantee our energy security. We must also ensure that domestic needs are met,' added Akmal.
The amendment on Act 610 will include the insertion of Section 14(1) to empower the Energy Commission to monitor the import and export and electricity.