MELAKA

cnews@nstp.com.my

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 Meters, they were able to keep tabs on their electricity consumption and take the necessary steps to control their usage, thus preventing 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 meter at his home has given him the flexibility to monitor his electricity usage via the MyTNB app which is downloaded on his smartphone.

“Since we changed to the smart meter 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 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 meters were an improvement and much better that the previous old meters.

“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 meter, 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 meter in January this year, he has managed to control his electricity consumption at his home.

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