Lim says government considering higher electricity bill protection as heat drives usage

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Fadillah Yusof revealed in a written parliamentary response on November 11 that his ministry, alongside the Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), is evaluating a proposal from Opposition Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The proposal suggests raising the electricity bill protection limit for domestic consumers from the current 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month to 1,000 kWh. Lim had suggested this increase to protect households from higher electricity bills caused by rising temperatures and recurring haze episodes that drive increased usage of electrical appliances.

If approved, this change could result in savings of over 10 percent, or around RM54.40 per month, for households using up to 1,000 kWh of electricity. Fadillah acknowledged the government's openness to proposals aimed at enhancing electricity bill protection measures, but emphasized that any modifications would require a thorough assessment, including financial implications, the number of beneficiaries, funding sources, and overall effectiveness in assisting users under increased electricity consumption.