Earthworks Contractors

Singapore has a reliable supply of electricity, among the best in the world. EMA regulates the electricity and piped natural gas sectors and is committed to maintaining the country’s high standards for the delivery of electricity to consumers. A large part of this involves ensuring that earthworks are done in a way that avoids damaging electricity cables and affecting supply to consumers.

Under the Electricity Act (Chapter 89A), contractors are required to obtain electricity cable plans from SP PowerGrid Ltd (SPPG) and engage a Licensed Cable Detection Worker (LCDW) to ascertain the location of high voltage electricity cables in the work area before starting earthworks. Contractors should submit the Notification for Commencement of Earthworks (NCE) to SPPG at least seven calendar days before they commence earthworks in the vicinity of any high voltage electricity cables. Upon receiving such notification, SPPG will issue a Letter of Requirements (LRe) for earthworks. All contractors are required to comply with SPPG’s LRe.

From 1 Apr 2018, EMA and SPPG have implemented the Registered Earthworks Supervisor (RES) scheme to enhance cable / gas pipeline damage prevention. The RES scheme aims to ensure site supervisors are competent in cable / gas pipeline damage prevention measures, and adhere to them as required under SPPG's LRe. Only site supervisors who have passed the RES course, and are registered as a RES with SPPG, will be allowed to supervise worksites in the vicinity of high voltage cables and medium/high pressure gas pipelines. Any non-compliance with SPPG's LRe would result in demerit points being given to the RES. The RES will have his registration pass suspended or revoked if his total number of demerit points exceeds a specified threshold.

Beside complying with the requirements stipulated under the Electricity Act and SPPG's LRe, contractors are also strongly encouraged to refer to SS576:2019 (Code of Practice for Earthworks in the Vicinity of Electricity Cables) as a guide to best practices for earthworks near underground electricity cables to prevent cable damages. You may purchase a copy of the code of practice online

According to Section 85(1)(a) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 89A), any person who removes, destroys or damages any electrical plant or electricity cable which is part of a transmission system that belongs to or under the management or control of an electricity licensee shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.

EMA will investigate all cable damage incidents and take firm action against parties who contravene Section 85 of the Electricity Act.

The table below shows the list of earthwork contractors who have been charged and convicted in Court in the last 2 years.

Date Convicted Company/Contractor Location of High Voltage Electricity Cable Damage Date of High Voltage Electricity Cable Damage Total Fines Imposed by the Court ($)
02 Dec 2022 Tong Shing Contractors Pte. Ltd. Admiralty Road West near Lamp Pole No. 61 01 Dec 2018 38,000
04 Nov 2022 J J & K Engineering Pte Ltd Woodlands Ave 5 21 Oct 2019 32,000
04 Nov 2022 Guthrie Engineering (S) Pte Ltd Woodlands Ave 5 21 Oct 2019 32,000
21 Oct 2022 Chan & Chan Engineering Pte. Ltd. Upper Changi Road LP26/1 31 Mar 2021 50,000
05 Aug 2022 United Power Enterprise Pte. Ltd. Ayer Rajah Expressway Slip Road Lamp Post 473S5 14 Nov 2019 40,000
22 Jul 2022 TGE Engineering Pte. Ltd. Blk 25 Eunos Crescent 25 Nov 2019 57,000
17 Jun 2022 LT Sambo Co., Ltd (Singapore Branch) Marina Drive near Block 74 08 Feb 2018 19,000
03 Jun 2022 Presscrete Engineering Pte Ltd In front of Lamp Pole No. N101S2 at Mandai Road 30 Sep 2017 80,000
03 Jun 2022 Presscrete Engineering Pte Ltd In front of Lamp Pole No. N101S2 at Mandai Road 30 Sep 2017 80,000
31 May 2022 Yuan Ji Enterprises Pte Ltd Old Jurong Road near Lamp Pole 14 15 Apr 2018 60,000
31 May 2022 Yuan Ji Enterprises Pte Ltd Old Jurong Road near Lamp Pole 14 15 Apr 2018 60,000
23 Nov 2021 Fidecs Engineering Pte Ltd In front of Block 261C, Sengkang East Way, near Lamp Pole No. 53 25 Apr 2018 35,000
17 Nov 2021 Kok Tong Construction Pte. Ltd. Woodlands Square near Lamp Poles No. 3F and 4F, opposite Causeway Point 21 Nov 2018 32,000
11 Nov 2021 Kimaro Geotechnical Engineering Pte Ltd East Coast Road / Bedok Road, near Lamp Pole No. 111 14 Mar 2018 36,000
18 Jun 2021 Kiso-Jiban Consultants Co. Ltd., Singapore Branch Pasir Ris Drive 1, near Lamp Pole No 51 14 Jun 2018 35,000

Consumers who are affected by cable damage incidents may wish to seek independent legal advice for any losses and damages that they may have suffered. They should do this before deciding if they want to pursue further legal action against the contractors.

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