Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s introduction of a new electricity tariff signifies not only a policy shift but also the commencement of a smarter way to power homes through the use of smart meters. These devices provide customers with real-time insights and the ability to manage their energy consumption under the Time-of-Use (ToU) scheme.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the nationwide rollout of smart meters is progressing as customers experience improved energy monitoring and greater control over electricity consumption through Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative. The upgrade, which aims to install smart meters in approximately 10.4 million homes across Peninsular Malaysia by 2028, offers daily and half-hourly usage data accessible via the myTNB app and portal.
A smart meter, as described on TNB’s website, is a digital device that records electricity usage and automatically transmits data to TNB through secure radio-frequency communication. This enables accurate billing, daily usage tracking, and enhanced energy management. While other countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and China have adopted smart meters, Malaysia is leading the way in Southeast Asia.
Misconceptions about smart meters persist, particularly regarding billing, health, and privacy. Contrary to these myths, smart meters do not cause electricity bills to increase; they provide more accurate and frequent readings that reflect actual usage without affecting electricity tariff or charge rates. Through the myTNB app, customers can monitor daily consumption, set monthly electricity budgets, and make informed decisions to manage energy costs more effectively than with traditional meters.
For some, like 78-year-old retiree Henry Yew from Subang Jaya, adopting this technology has enabled efficient energy management. Yew frequently tracks his consumption and sets a budget using the app, finding it more convenient than manually checking the meter outside.
Another myth is that smart meters collect or store personal information. In reality, these devices only record electricity usage, timestamps, and power quality, not personal data. They are certified by SIRIM and regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), ensuring compliance with national safety and data protection standards.
Sixty-four-year-old retiree Azman Mohd Ali from Ampang shared his initial concerns. He was worried about potential health risks but found reassurance knowing that the electromagnetic waves emitted are low, even less than WiFi, and that the meters are certified by SIRIM and MCMC.
Moreover, smart meters cannot be used for surveillance as they lack cameras or microphones. They only transmit encrypted electricity usage data to the utility provider, accessible to customers via the myTNB app or portal. Installation of these meters is designed to be quick, simple, and minimally invasive, as experienced by Sasicala Gingaduran, a 41-year-old executive from Bandar Parklands, Klang.
The ToU tariff is available to all registered TNB customers, provided an activated smart meter is installed. For those without smart meters, installation and activation may take up to two months, with tariff contract changes processed within five working days. Smart meters are more than just technological upgrades; they are tools that help Malaysians track energy use, avoid unexpected bills, and make informed daily choices.