MELAKA: THE increase in electricity consumption and charges during the recent Movement Control Order period may have caught some consumers unaware, as they were in the dark over their actual electricity usage during that time.

However, for a number of consumers who use Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Smart Metres, they were able to keep tabs on their electricity consumption and take the necessary steps to control their usage, thus preventing from an unexpected increase in their bills.

Rahim Selamat, 59, from Kampung Tehel in Jasin, is one such user. He said the installation of the smart metre at his home has enabled him the flexibility to monitor his electricity usage via the MyTNB app which is downloaded on his smartphone.

"Since we changed to the smart metre system several years ago, I have been able to limit and control the electricity consumption in my house to prevent wastage and excess cost," he said.

"During the recent Movement Control Order (MCO) and Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) period, electricity consumption in my household increased two-fold. However, this is to be expected because all residents are at home, consuming energy through electrical appliances such as the air-conditioning, fan, television and lights," he added.

'During the month of Ramadan, our oven was switched on almost everyday as we began preparations for our Hari Raya cakes and cookies. Its no wonder that our overall electricity usage had increased," he said.

Another resident, Omar Asad said the smart metres were an improvement and much better that the previous old metres.

"The ability to track my consumption and usage on the MyTNB app and compare it on a monthly basis is a very intelligent feature," he said.

"In fact, we pay for what we use, if we use more that means we have to pay more and through the smart metre, the daily usage readings are more accurate than ever."

"In fact, we can monitor our current usage and even make payments online," he said.

E-hailing driver V.Varatharaju, 57, who lives in Melaka Baru said since he switched to the new smart metre in January this year, he has managed to control his electricity consumption at his home.

Having some work experience related to electrical wiring, he said he was more comfortable using the new smart metre which is guaranteed safe and records accurate information on the energy usage.

"I remind everyone at home on the need to prevent electricity wastage and to use it wisely. It is everyone's responsibility to do so. Fortunately, we do not use air-conditioning so the increase was minimal and not a burden to us," he added.
Piano teacher Gan Shel Se, 34, from Taman Jati in Batu Berendam said before the MCO he and his wife spent little time at home, both working till late and only coming home at night.

However, once the MCO came into effect, the electricity consumption naturally increased by nearly twice as much as it was before.

"Before MCO, my monthly electricity bill was less than RM180 but increased to RM230 from March until May because we were both at home and using all sorts of electrical appliances.

"Therefore, it is unreasonable to blame the installation of smart meters as the reason for the charges to rise sharply, when in fact it was our daily electricity usage that had increased," he said.

He is also pleased to use the MyTNB application as it can record the use of more than one account - electricity bill accounts both in his home and business premises.

Norrizah Md Nor, 64, a retiree from Taman Tasik Utama in Ayer Keroh, said as a responsible consumer, there should not be any disputes on the bill as they are being billed on their actual electricity usage.

"As a responsible consumer, I am able to assess if my electricity usage has exceeded a certain limit and take the necessary steps to amend this," she said.

"I have not had any problems since using the smart metre as it is easier and much more beneficial to me. In fact, smart meters can boost energy savings which can reduce monthly bill payments and at the same time, I have access to real-time information on electricity usage through the MyTNB app," she said.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/605350/smart-meters-monitor-electricity-usage