Energy Commission instructed to probe 'shocking' electricity bills

The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry has ordered the Energy Commission to probe a surge in complaints nationwide on unusually high electricity bills.

Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the commission would probe the 359 complaints it received in the space of two weeks this month.

This comes after Tenaga Nasional Bhd's Careline's Facebook page was inundated with complaints – among others, on wrong meter readings, and readings performed after a 30-day period which resulted in bills reaching higher payment tiers.

In a press conference today, Yeo said prorating power bills for more than 30 days can be considered a violation to the performance standard under the Electricity Supply Act 1990.

If proven true, she added, the Energy Commission can initiate legal proceedings against TNB if it does not fulfil provisions under Section 9C of the act.

Under the provision, the supply provider can be fined RM25,000 in addition to an RM500 penalty for every day that the problem remains unfixed.

Yeo said TNB "should be more responsible in its calculation, as well as in its treatment to consumers," adding that the utility company had committed technical negligence which could lead to court action.

She also noted that the Energy Commission would also investigate complaints on high electricity bills in Malacca following the implementation of 'smart meters'. Malacca was selected as the pilot state for the implementation of the advanced meter reading system.

Yeo also urged consumers who were unhappy with their power bills to head to the TNB customer centre to lodge complaints, and to refer these complaints to the Energy Commission if they feel that their issues remain unresolved.

She pointed out that complaints to the commission can be filed online through its website or via e-mail.

At today's press conference, she also launched a guideline on the smart usage of power. 

Energy Commission chairperson Ahmad Fauzi Hasan, who was also present at the press conference, said that a meeting with TNB was held earlier today.

According to Fauzi, TNB provided three reasons – including prorated power bills – for the surge in complaints. However, he noted that the commission was unhappy with the explanation. 

Yesterday, TNB issued a statement requesting complainants to head to their nearest outlet to seek a remedy. - Mkini