by SHAHEERA AZNAM SHAH / pic by AFIF ABD HALIM

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) plans to adopt new technologies and approaches for its grid operation in the country, and extend the use of mobility solutions to improve its asset management.

President and CEO Datuk Seri Ir Azman Mohd (picture) said the power utility conglomerate expects to deploy the mobility solutions for its power lines and cable asset management throughout the peninsula by the third quarter of 2018 (3Q18).

“The trials for the construction management, substation management, low-voltage operations and repairs of the mobility solutions are expected to commence by 2Q18,” he said in a statement on Monday.

In an effort to improve its customer service, TNB will be upgrading its contact centre as well as strengthening collaborations with its external partners to provide better energy-related services.

“We are focused on enhancing our customer service through the assistance of technology and improving our digital presence.

“Energy-related services are expected to improve our domestic profitability. The efficiency of our customer service will be improved once we complete the separation of our customer service entity in 2018,” Azman said in TNB’s Integrated Annual Report 2017.

He added that TNB plans to seek out opportunities in the renewable energy (RE) space internationally, mainly in solar and wind generation.

“We have been actively participating in international renewables ‘greenfield’ bids since 2016,” he added.

TNB will be hosting the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry themed “Reimagining Utility of the Future” in September this year.

“We are honoured and looking forward to hosting this event. The theme underpins the current reality of how the electric supply industry is transforming in response to the numerous changes affecting it,” he said.

Chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie said TNB maintained its stable and sustainable earnings trajectory in 2017 with an operating profit of RM3.15 billion and a net profit of RM2.74 billion.

“Our financial results showed TNB’s prudent financial management is supportive of our goals for sustainable growth. It also enables us to continue providing value to our shareholders,” said Moggie