TNB Smart Meters Give Malaysians Better Energy Management

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s introduction of a new electricity tariff marked not only a policy shift but also the start of a smarter way to power homes through smart meters that provide customers with real-time insights and the freedom to manage their energy use under the Time-of-Use (ToU) scheme.

The nationwide rollout of smart meters is gaining momentum as customers experience improved energy monitoring and greater control over electricity consumption through Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative.

The smart meter upgrade, set to be installed in approximately 10.4 million homes across Peninsular Malaysia by 2028 and beyond, offers daily and half-hourly usage data accessible via the myTNB app and portal.

According to TNB on its website, a smart meter is a digital device that records electricity usage and automatically transmits data to TNB through secure radio-frequency communication, enabling accurate billing, daily usage tracking, and enhanced energy management.

While countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and China have adopted smart meters, Malaysia is leading the way in Southeast Asia. However, persistent myths around billing, health, and privacy continue to cloud public perception.

Contrary to misconceptions, smart meters do not cause electricity bills to increase. Instead, 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 electromechanical meters.

For 78-year-old retiree Henry Yew from Subang Jaya, embracing this technology has enabled him to manage his energy use efficiently by frequently tracking consumption and setting a budget through the app.

“Now I just use the Energy Budget feature on the app. It’s more convenient than checking the meter manually outside,” he said.

Another common 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.

Smart meters also do not cause illnesses. They are fully 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 doubts. “I was worried when people said smart meters could cause illnesses. However, the electromagnetic waves are very low, even less than WiFi. With certification from SIRIM and MCMC, I feel confident it is safe,” he said.

Moreover, smart meters cannot spy on customers or be used as surveillance tools as they lack cameras or microphones.

They do not see, hear or record personal activities. Instead, they transmit only encrypted electricity usage data to the utility provider, accessible to customers via the myTNB app or portal.

While some customers may fear disruptions during installation, the process is designed to be quick, simple and minimally invasive.

For Sasicala Gingaduran, a 41-year-old executive from Bandar Parklands, Klang, the transition was smooth and hassle-free.

“At first, we thought the meter change would be troublesome, but we were only asked to switch off our electrical appliances during the installation. Within a week, I was already monitoring my electricity usage through the app,” she said.

The ToU tariff is not exclusive to existing smart meter users. All registered TNB customers can switch to it, provided an activated smart meter is installed at their premises.

For customers 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 upgrades, they are game changers that help Malaysians track energy use, avoid bill surprises and make smarter daily choices. Whether switching to ToU or seeking greater control, it’s time to take charge, one kilowatt at a time.

For more information, visit https://www.mytnb.com.my/smart-meter.

-- BERNAMA