Kota kinabalu: The new electricity tariff in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan is set to take effect tomorrow, February 1, with the average basic tariff rate being adjusted to 39.70 sen per kilowatt hour (kWh) from the previous 34.52 sen per kWh.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, about 85 percent of domestic consumers who use up to 600 kWh per month will encounter minimal changes in their electricity bills, with increases capped at RM27 or less, contingent on usage. Small commercial users will also benefit from capped increases, with the protected electricity usage block remaining at 500 kWh per month, resulting in bill increases of between RM0 and RM24, which includes grocery shops and small businesses.

To mitigate the impact of the tariff change, various rebates and discounts are being introduced. These include a RM40 monthly rebate for Hardcore Poor Heads of Household, administered through the e-Kasih system. Additionally, Sabah Electricity is offering a 10 percent discount for welfare homes, houses of worship, and registered educational institutions. A 20 percent discount is available through the Off-Peak Tariff Rider mechanism for low-voltage commercial and industrial users who consume electricity outside peak hours.

A new 10 percent discount is also being offered to the agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries sectors to help maintain stability in the food supply chain. Consumers are encouraged to join the Energy Efficiency Programme to adopt more efficient energy usage practices, which can help offset the impact of higher bills and promote the use of renewable energy.

For more details on the new tariff schedule and to estimate monthly bills, consumers can visit the company's official website at www.sesb.com.my/tariff, where an electricity bill calculator is available.