In a Bernama report, he said the state was addressing the issue by fast-tracking power generation projects to ensure that Sabah would have 30% spare capacity at any one time.

Hajiji said other measures included renting diesel-powered generators capable of producing 100 megawatts (MW).

“We are extending a diesel power plant in Tewa by 70MW, besides completing a 62MW large-scale solar project,” he said during a special session of the Sabah state assembly.

The special session is being held today to debate three bills relating to the state’s electricity management. The session passed three bills for the state government to take over the regulation of electricity supply and renewable energy from the federal government.

Hajiji said in the medium and long-term, the state would tap into increased capacities of hydropower plants of up to 400MW.

A 275-kilovolt power delivery line is also being built between Sabah and Sarawak, he said.

Separately, Hajiji said the government has set a seven-year target to take over the state’s sole power provider, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd. The company is currently held by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (83%) and the Sabah government (17%).