Aziz Idris

Every Bruneian household will soon be able to monitor and manage their electricity and water usage with the Unified Smart Metering System (USMS).

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah as the guest of honour officiated the launch of the utility system at Indera Kayangan Ballroom, The Empire Brunei yesterday.

Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof also participated.

USMS is a joint initiative which began in 2017 between DST Network, Department of Electrical Services (DES), Public Works Department (JKR) and the Berakas Power Company. The project is another important milestone for the nation to leverage on the global digital transformation.

“With the Unified Smart Metering Solution, DST brings digital revolution to the utility system, providing up to date near real time billing and an enhanced customer service portal,” General Manager of DST Network Juliana Sim said.

She said it gives consumers options to reload using various electronic means either by mobile apps, DST Easi Credit, third party Top-Ups, any USMS authorised resellers or via counter channels throughout the four districts.

According to the general manager, DST will embark on a nationwide rollout of over 200,000 smart electric and smart water meters to fulfil the Smart Nation Vision into reality.

Installation will start as soon as next week in selected areas and will be carried out in stages. Free installation will be provided for existing households while new houses will need to purchase a new USMS unit, Juliana said. She said this will provide technical training to local talents and create highly technical job and business opportunities for them.

A video presentation on USMS and the Smart Meter Installation Procedure was screened. The Cabinet Ministers and guests toured the USMS Concept and Customer Touch Point booths.

Officials from DST Network Sdn Bhd, senior government officials, representatives from DES, JKR and Berakas Power Company, project partners and guests were also present.

DST Network said installers for smart meters will contact customers to schedule for installation of the next generation water and electricity meters.

Customers will undergo several processes of registrations and verifications prior to installation. Only authorised installers from DST Network, DES or JKR will be permitted to install the new system.

Once the installation process is complete, customers can reload the meter credit via Quick Topup (www.usms.com.bn/quicktopup) or official websites for DES www.des.gov.bn or JKR www.ebis.pwd.gov.bn or DSTINCOMM

mobile app or EASI *144# in the denominations of BND2 , BND6, BND10 or BND20.