Residents fume over digital TNB metres as conversion works halt

National power company Tenaga Nasional's decision to halt the conversion of analog electricity metres to digital units has lent credibility to recent claims by consumers that the new metre was deficient, causing electricity bills to skyrocket.

“The problem is with the new metre installed, our electricity bill has gone up. Just explain, not educate us on why we should pay more,” said a disgruntled Subang Jaya resident, Mustafa Hassan.

He was referring to Energy, Green Technology and Water minister Peter Chin Fah Kui claim that TNB’s priority was to educate the public on the new metres.

Chin had also said that the metre replacement activity would be stopped until a standard operating procedure was in place.

“TNB has stopped its operation to replace the old meters and is in discussion with the ministry to come up with a standard operating procedure to boost consumer confidence,” he said.

Another Subang resident Li Fook Gao said the move to convert to digital metres was unfair to consumers.

“So we continue to pay more while the rest (with old metres) can enjoy the ‘old rates’?" he asked.

"It is not a mere 10 percent spike, but up to 30-40 percent right after the new metre was installed,” he complained.

Rajan Nando meanwhile questioned why a standard operating procedure was not already in place before the replacement works commenced.

Chin had earlier hinted that electricity tariff would be raised after the 13th general election, but later said the cabinet had rejected his ministry’s proposal, at least until June next year.

But Mustafa was not impressed.

“It is obvious this postponement is due to the election,” he said.

-Harakahdaily