The government has announced further discounts for the electricity bills of domestic consumers for the months of April to June this year.
KUALA LUMPUR: Domestic Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) consumers will have some relief for their electricity bills for the months of April to June this year, with the government having recently announced the Bantuan Prihatin Elektrik (BPE) package.
The scheme, which will provide an additional RM942mil in discounts and rebates, is intended to help consumers burdened by higher than usual electricity bills during the movement control order (MCO) period.
The BPE is in addition to the electricity bill discounts previously announced in the Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package. Here are some of the frequently asked questions on your electricity bills and the BPE:
Why have my bills been so expensive recently?
Based on analysis, the consumption of electricity among domestic consumers increased by 20% to 50% during the MCO period, resulting in higher bills being received by customers locally. A similar trend has been observed at the global level.
Could there have been any mistakes in my bill calculation?
TNB’s bill calculation method, which is commonly used by utility companies worldwide, has also been checked and approved by the Energy Commission.
What is the Bantuan Prihatin Elektrik?
The BPE is an additional assistance scheme introduced by the government in partnership with TNB to benefit all domestic users, whereby:
> Domestic consumers with monthly electricity consumption of 300 kWh and below will enjoy free electricity for April to June 2020.
> Domestic consumers with monthly electricity consumption exceeding 300 kWh from April to June 2020 will get an RM77 discount per month.
> Domestic consumers with monthly electricity consumption of between 601 to 900 kWh will also enjoy a 10% discount from April to September 2020, which is an additional 8% discount from the previously announced 2% discount.
What is the difference between the BPE and the Prihatin discount?
The Prihatin discount is given to domestic consumers from April 2020 to September 2020 as part of the Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package, while BPE is an additional one-time assistance to ease the burden of consumers in paying for higher electricity bills from April to June 2020.
Am I eligible for the BPE?
All domestic TNB consumers are automatically eligible for the BPE, with the rebates and discounts to be reflected in your July 2020 electricity bill.
Are commercial, industrial and agriculture customers also eligible for the BPE?
The BPE is only given to domestic consumers for the April to June 2020 electricity bills. That said, commercial, industrial and agriculture customers will still enjoy the previously announced Prihatin discount from April to September 2020.
How is the BPE calculated?
All of TNB’s 7.66mil domestic consumers will receive the BPE for electricity bills in April to June 2020, which will be reflected in the July 2020 bill. Those who have already paid their bills over this period will see the excess amount credited into your July 2020 bill.
Below is a sample of how the BPE and the Prihatin discount is calculated for your electricity bills for April, May and June 2020:
> For below 300 kWh monthly domestic usage (maximum total bill of RM77), you will enjoy free electricity.
> From 301 to 600 kWh monthly domestic usage (maximum total bill of RM231.80), you will enjoy RM231 + 15% discount.
> From 601 to 900 kWh monthly domestic usage (maximum total bill of RM395.60), you will enjoy RM231 + 10% discount.
> For more than 900 kWh monthly domestic usage (maximum total bill exceeding RM396.15), you will enjoy RM231 + 2% discount.
Does TNB provide any other assistance?
TNB has recently introduced the Easy Payment Plan, where domestic customers have the option to pay outstanding electricity bills in installments without any additional surcharge, until December 2020.
Moreover, TNB will not impose any late payment charges and have halted all electricity disconnection activities until Sept 30, 2020.
Where can I get more information?
Log onto the myTNB app or portal at www.mytnb.com.my, email tnbcareline@tnb.com.my, contact TNB CareLine at 1-300-88-5454 or visit your nearest Kedai Tenaga for more information.
