FOMCA warns 800kwh electricity protection is not a licence for higher usage

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has cautioned that expanding electricity bill protection from 600 to 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month should not be interpreted as an encouragement for households to increase their energy consumption, according to their chief executive officer, Dr Saravanan Thambirajah.

While the measure aims to provide relief to consumers, Thambirajah stressed the importance of maintaining responsible usage habits to prevent higher bills. This initiative could aid households in managing electricity usage, especially during extreme weather conditions and haze. However, Thambirajah emphasized that "protection up to 800 kWh should not be seen as a licence to use electricity excessively."

The savings for domestic consumers of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) could reach RM47 a month, or nearly 13 percent, by September, thanks to exemptions from the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA) charge, eight percent sales and service tax (SST), and the RM10 retail charge for consumers using up to 800 kWh monthly. Thambirajah also highlighted the necessity of energy efficiency education, urging consumers to understand that every reduction in electricity consumption positively impacts their bills.

He further pointed out that any increases in electricity consumption should be attributed to their specific causes, rather than being dismissed as wastage. If increased usage is due to factors like hot weather, haze, school holidays, or additional family members at home, it may be challenging to avoid. He reiterated that consumer protection and energy-efficiency practices should go hand in hand to ensure the benefits of the protection do not inadvertently encourage wastage.

Importantly, Thambirajah clarified that "the message is simple: 800 kWh is protection, not a consumption target."