KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd has halted the replacement of electricity meters until a standard operating procedure is in place, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.
This comes after complaints from consumers that the upgrading of electro-mechanical meters to new digital meters had led to higher electricity bills, including “retrospective” charges.
“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.
“The operation will continue, but our first task is educate the public on the new meters,” he said.
Chin, however, added that the replacement exercise would still apply to households with faulty meters and consumers suspected of stealing electricity.
Responding to public complaints, TNB said the new digital meters had been tested and calibrated by laboratories accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia and used by utility companies worldwide.
Meanwhile, Chin said more investments into solar power plants would be made following the Budget 2013 allocation of RM2bil for the ministry's Green Technology Financing Scheme, which was also extended until 2015.
“With the funds, The ministry and the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation are looking into the implementation of more solar panels and plants,” he said after launching the 3rd International Greentechnology Conference Malaysia at KL Convention Centre here yesterday
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It is good that TNB has halted the replacement of electricity meters but what about those already replaced? The question now is some people are paying five folds while others are paying lower. Is this fair? Secondly, why can't SIRIM be the one to calibrate the meters, why must TNB use their own subsidiary company to do that? Calibration must be done by an independent body that has no connected interest with TNB or Energy. Thirdly, what about 'Usage Factor Charges' that is added into the new meters reading? New meters have to pay 'Usage Factor' and 1% additional cost to Energy compare to old meters that need not pay these extra charges. Again is this fair? Fourth, why is DBKL and TNB working hand in hand fiddling meters with illegal business. In Jalan Belangkas, Kuala Lumpur meters are install to stalls at the road side that has no business to be there in the first place. To further add insult to our faces the meters are tampered with lower reading. One need no eyes to see DBKL and TNB not only having teh tarik together but money are given when they 'Salam' each other.
Given an opportunity with sound resources I am very sure videos can be make at ease how each transaction of money changes hands occur daily between TNB and DBKL.
Another burning question is WHY DO WE NEED TO PAY 1% TO ENERGY WHEN THEY ARE JUST A SPLINTER DEPARTMENT?
Question number 5 - TNB having the sole monopoly for electricity does not come under the eyes of the Auditor-General, so there is no transparency. Again there is that big question mark of money diverting into Kutty's and UMNO's account.
Anyone care to explain?
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