Reduce Electricity Bill with the Expanded 800 kWh Protection
On 17 September 2026, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) announced that the electricity bill protection threshold for domestic customers would increase from 600 kWh to 800 kWh per month.
For electricity consumption from 1 September to 31 December 2026, eligible domestic customers using 800 kWh or less per month will be exempt from the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA), the 8% service tax and the RM10 retail charge.
Under Peninsular Malaysia’s current tariff framework, AFA adjusts electricity generation charges monthly to reflect changes in generation costs, including fluctuations in global fuel prices and foreign exchange rates.
While the expanded protection offers temporary relief, managing household electricity consumption remains important, especially during prolonged hot weather.
Why Hot Weather Can Increase Electricity Consumption?
El Niño is a climate pattern associated with unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It can influence rainfall and temperature patterns in different parts of the world.
According to MET Malaysia, El Niño conditions are expected to persist into early 2027. Prolonged hot and dry conditions may increase household cooling demand.
During hot spells, households may run air conditioners for longer, use multiple cooling units, operate fans throughout the day and spend more time indoors. Refrigerators and freezers may also work harder to maintain their internal temperatures.
These changes can gradually increase monthly electricity consumption.
Practical Ways to Reduce Electricity Bill During Hot Weather
1. Set your air conditioner to around 24°C.
TNB recommends around 24°C as a practical energy-efficient setting. Combine air conditioning with fans to improve air circulation and comfort without unnecessarily lowering the thermostat.
2. Keep The Heat Out.
Close curtains or blinds before direct sunlight heats up your rooms. Keep doors and windows closed while cooling, and avoid air-conditioning unoccupied rooms.
3. Maintain Your Air-Conditioner.
Clean filters regularly and keep air inlets and outlets unobstructed to support efficient operation.
4. Use appliances wisely.
Ovens, clothes dryers, irons and prolonged cooking sessions release additional heat indoors. Where practical, use them during cooler parts of the day.
5. Help your refrigerator run efficiently.
Avoid leaving the door open for too long, check the door seals, maintain adequate ventilation and use an appropriate temperature setting.
5. Switch to LED lighting.
LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and produce less heat.
Monitor Your Monthly Electricity Consumption
Customers with smart meters can use the Daily Usage View and Energy Budget features in the myTNB app to track their electricity consumption.
For a 30-day billing period, 400 kWh by Day 15 is a useful halfway checkpoint for staying within an 800 kWh monthly target. It is a guide, not a guarantee, as actual billing periods and daily consumption may vary.
If your usage is approaching the threshold, review your air-conditioning habits and other high-consumption appliances early rather than waiting until the end of the month.
What About Time of Use (ToU) Customers?
ToU customers may benefit from lower Energy Charges during designated off-peak periods, including after 10 pm on weekdays and throughout weekends under the applicable schedule.
However, shifting appliance use to off-peak hours does not automatically reduce electricity consumption in kWh. Savings depend on the applicable rates and when electricity is used.
Where practical, schedule suitable flexible activities during off-peak periods while continuing to manage overall consumption.
Reducing Electricity Bills for the Long Term
The expanded 800 kWh protection is temporary, but energy-saving improvements can benefit your household for years.
Consider installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to generate electricity for your home. You could also explore a solar water heater as an alternative to a conventional instant electric water heater, helping reduce electricity used for water heating.
By combining efficient appliance use, regular monitoring and suitable energy-saving solutions, households can stay more comfortable during hot weather while managing their electricity bills more effectively.
Contact Solartech today to learn how to reduce your electricity bill with solar!
