A practical guide for factory owners and consultants to apply for 300A–1000A industrial electricity in Malaysia—covering TNB, SESB (Sabah) and Sarawak Energy. Includes steps, documents, timelines, costs, safety, and a comparison table.
Applying for a 300–1000 Amp Industrial Power Supply in Malaysia (TNB, Sabah & Sarawak Guide)
Who this is for: factory owners, plant managers, and consultants planning heavy electricity loads in Malaysia. This guide explains how to apply for 300A–1000A supply, what documents you need, typical timelines, costs, safety, and site readiness requirements—covering Peninsular (TNB) and East Malaysia (SESB & Sarawak Energy).
Quick Overview
- Utilities by region: TNB (Peninsular), SESB (Sabah/Labuan), Sarawak Energy (Sarawak).
- 300A–1000A at 415V 3f is heavy load; expect CT metering, often a dedicated transformer substation, and sometimes an 11 kV intake for the upper range.
- Hire a Professional Engineer (PE) early to design, submit, and liaise with the utility.
- Timeline: plan roughly 6–12+ months from complete submission to energization (project-dependent).
Load Range vs Typical Infrastructure
| Load Demand (A) | Approx. kVA @415V | Supply Mode | Typical Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|---|
| =100A | =~70 kVA | LV 415V from existing network | No substation; whole-current meter. |
| ~100A–400A | ~70–280 kVA | LV 415V (often dedicated feeder) | Network upgrade possible; CT meter. |
| ~400A–600A | ~280–430 kVA | LV 415V via dedicated transformer | On-site transformer substation likely. |
| ~600A–1000A | ~430–720 kVA | LV with substation or 11 kV intake | On-site substation mandatory in most cases; plan for future expansion. |
| >1000A | >~720 kVA (=1 MVA) | Medium Voltage (11 kV/33 kV) | Customer/utility HV intake, transformer(s), HV/LV switchgear; competent person required. |
Notes: Actual thresholds/requirements depend on the utility’s network condition, system study, and your load profile.
Step-by-Step: From Application to Energization
- Engage a PE (Electrical Consultant): load study, single-line diagram (SLD), advise LV vs 11 kV, plan substation space.
- Prepare approvals & drawings: local authority (DO/plan) showing substation, SLD, load schedule, site layout, proposed cable routes.
- Submit to utility: TNB (myTNB/Kedai Tenaga), SESB (Sabah), Sarawak Energy (SEB). Include owner/company docs and appointment letter.
- System study & queries: utility reviews; respond to technical comments (motor starting, harmonics, substation siting).
- Joint technical meeting: agree supply scheme, transformer size/qty, metering, cable routing, responsibilities.
- Offer & payment: connection charges + deposit (often ~2 months estimated bill); bank guarantee possible for large sums.
- Build & install: you construct substation (per spec); utility installs transformer/switchgear/cables; your contractor completes MSB & internal wiring.
- Testing & certification: internal tests, protection settings, ST/DOSH (where applicable), competent person in place.
- Utility inspection & metering: meter install (CT/VT as required), sealing, final safety checks.
- Energization & handover: supply on; set up online billing; plan maintenance & future capacity.
Peninsular Malaysia (TNB) Highlights
- Who applies: Owner via appointed PE/consultant (mandatory for high loads).
- Documentation: application forms, owner/company docs, DO/approved plans, SLD, load list, substation drawings, metering details, power-quality declaration.
- Substation land: provide space with external access; typical token lease/transfer (legal arrangement) to utility for equipment ownership & maintenance.
- Timeline: allow 6–12+ months depending on network upgrades, transformer lead times, and authority approvals.
East Malaysia Notes (SESB & Sarawak Energy)
- Sabah (SESB): similar process; consultant involvement from relatively low kVA; check for any current industrial incentives on infrastructure cost sharing.
- Sarawak (SEB): submit via Customer Service/e-portal; HV intake common for larger plants; Electrical Inspectorate approvals may apply; plan early for material lead times.
Checklist: Documents & Certifications
- Application forms + appointment letter for consultant.
- Proof of land right (title/SPA/tenancy) + company SSM docs / NRIC.
- Approved building plans (with substation/switch room) & DO.
- SLD & load schedule (motors, starting method, PF correction, harmonics).
- Substation architectural drawings, cable trench/ducting plan, MSB layout.
- Testing & commissioning reports, PE endorsements, ST notifications where applicable.
- Competent person (chargeman/engineer) identified for HV operations if 11 kV intake.
Safety & Awareness for 300A–1000A
- Compliance first: Electricity Supply Act & Regulations; certified equipment to relevant MS/IEC standards.
- Equipment ratings: breakers/busbars/cables with adequate short-circuit ratings; robust earthing & bonding (< target earth resistance).
- Substation controls: restricted access, fire-rated doors, ventilation, drainage/sump (for oil-filled units), clear signage.
- Operational discipline: stagger motor starts, use soft starters/VFDs, install surge/voltage protection, maintain PF to avoid penalties.
- People & procedures: LOTO, arc-flash PPE where relevant, emergency response, scheduled maintenance & thermography checks.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
- Submitting incomplete paperwork or missing substation drawings.
- Late engagement with utility—discovering network limits too far into construction.
- No space planned for substation or poor access for transformer delivery.
- Underbudgeting connection charges, civil works, MSB, and deposit.
- Ignoring LA/Bomba requirements tied to electrical rooms.
- Non-compliant civil/M&E works versus the approved utility specs.
Timeline & What to Expect
Indicative only (project-specific):
- Technical review & offer: a few weeks to a couple of months after complete submission.
- Construction & installation: 3–9 months depending on substation type, equipment lead times, and utility works.
- Testing, inspections & energization: 2–6 weeks near completion.
Costs, Deposit & Permits
- Connection charges: one-time contribution for feeders/transformer/switchgear (varies by scope; some elements may be refundable based on realized demand).
- Security deposit: commonly ~2 months of estimated bill (bank guarantee often allowed for large sums).
- Consultant/contractor fees: PE services, MSB & internal wiring, testing/commissioning.
- Substation civil cost: room/cabin build, fencing, earthing grid, ventilation, access.
- Permits/wayleaves: LA road cuts, right-of-way if needed for incoming cables.
FAQ
LV (415V) vs 11 kV—how to choose?
For ~600–1000A, many sites still take 415V via a dedicated transformer, but if future growth is likely or network conditions dictate, an 11 kV intake offers headroom (with competent person obligations). Your PE and the utility’s study will advise the best scheme.
How early should I start?
As early as possible—treat power onboarding as a critical path item alongside building approvals and M&E procurement.
