ULU BARAM: Electricity supply to Long Tap here was restored on July 10, 2026, after nearly two years without power following a fire that damaged the village’s solar powerhouse in 2024.
The restoration was carried out under a pilot ‘Rural Energy-as-a-Service’ (EaaS) project using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄/LFP) battery technology.
The new system serving the Kenyah settlement of more than 60 households was installed, tested and commissioned within five days.
Telang Usan assemblyman, Datuk Dennis Ngau, said the use of LFP battery technology was the first of its kind in Telang Usan, offering a new approach to providing a more stable energy supply to remote communities.
“This success reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to finding practical and sustainable solutions to ensure rural communities continue to enjoy basic amenities despite challenges posed by distance and accessibility.
“Distance should never be a reason to marginalise rural communities. With innovation and new technology, we can provide more stable and sustainable energy supply even to the most remote areas,” he said.
He said this after joining a delegation of Sarawak Government officials to inspect the project at Long Tap, recently.
Dennis said the project, implemented in collaboration with Planet QEOS, also provides a 10-year energy assurance model to ensure a stable supply while helping reduce maintenance and energy costs for residents.
He added that the LFP battery technology could potentially serve as an alternative to solar systems under the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES), particularly in remote areas facing accessibility challenges.
“For me, bringing electricity to rural communities is not merely about providing power, but also about improving safety, creating opportunities for children to study, supporting livelihoods and economic activities, and enhancing the quality of life of the people,” he said.
Located about a 10-hour journey from Miri by four-wheel-drive vehicle, Long Tap highlights the logistical challenges involved in providing and maintaining energy infrastructure in remote areas.
The restored electricity supply is expected to support residents’ daily needs, education and economic activities.
Dennis also thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak Government for their continued commitment to rural development and ensuring remote communities are not left behind.
