Smart meters to monitor electricity usage

OMAR ASAD related to electrical wiring, he said he was more comfortable using the new smart meter 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 compared to what 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 necessar y steps to amend this,” she said.

“I have not had any problems since using the smart meter 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.