23rd July 2011
VISIT TO DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES (DES)
It has been 8 weeks we're not having our CCA due to Mid-Year Exam and Qualifying Exam for Year 9, 10 and 10(P).
We start off our CCA this term by organising an educational visit to Department of Electrical Services (DES) at the Government Offices Buildings at Berakas. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit The Power Station at Gadong because of safety precautions.
Upon arrival on the 5th floor, we were welcomed by a number of Training Unit Officers in the Conference Room.
One of the officer briefed us on the History of the Department.
It was very interesting to know that the Department was established since 1921 (8 years earlier before oil and gas was discovered in Seria, Negara Brunei Darussalam) We forgot to ask where they get the natural resources from to generate the electricity back then?
In 1950s, Brunei was using Diesel Power Engine located at Kianggeh. In 1959, another Power Engine was built at Gadong. In 1966, another Power Engine was built at Temburong District to supply electricity there. It was not until 1967, Brunei built and used it's first Natural Gas Power Turbine.
Today, Brunei has five main Power Stations, two at Gadong, one at Belingus, Temburong District, one at Lumut, Seria and one at Bukit Panggal, Tutong District. Every year, Brunei consumed 4% of its Natural Gas Production to generate electricity in the country. The figure looks small but when they showed us the satellite picture, surprisingly, Brunei looked so bright equivalent to industralised countries like Japan. WE WASTE A LOT OF ELECTRICITY!!!!
Department of Electrical Services has 6 Divisions under the management of Energy Division, Prime Minister Office. Before 2005, DES was under the Ministry of Development. There are 1225 people employed of which only 20% female.
During the briefing, we were also showed a video about Tenaga Suria Brunei (TSB) in Seria and slideshows showing tips on how to save electricity at home, school and office.
We were served with refreshment at the end of the briefing. Group photo was taken after that. Teacher Khadijah find an opportunity to thank the Training Unit officers for their warm welcome and briefings.
We went back to school at 4pm just in time to go home. It was a very informative and knowledgable visit. Energy Club MUST organise more visit like this in the future.
