TNB's digital metres in the POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT

As more consumers complaint that their electricity usage is seeing unusual increase since installation of new electronic metres at their premises, PKR has called on TNB to explain its analog metres replacement exercise.

“Our research shows that there are currently 8.03 million TNB consumers in Malaysia. We estimate the average price of the new electronic metres to be at RM250 each,” the duo said, who claimed the cost of the exercise could reach a whopping RM2 billion.

Based on a 2 percent increase in power bills, they claimed TNB would reap an extra profit of RM688 million annually.

“, this issue is no longer a simple case of a few irate consumers with 50% increase in their electricity bills. This matter should be viewed as a national interest matter with billions of ringgit at stake,” said their statement.

They urged TNB to reveal details of the contract to supply the new metres including the tendering process, and claimed that relatives of former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi were involved in the deal to supply TNB with new metre units.

Last October, Harakahdaily reported that many members of the public were angered by their unusually high power bills.

A Subang Jaya resident Li Fook Gao said the move was unfair for those who were forced to change to electronic metres.

“So we continue to pay more while the rest (with old metres) continue to enjoy the ‘old rates’? It’s not a 10 percent spike, it’s up to 30-40 percent spike right after the new metres,” he complained.

-Harakahdaily