KUALA LUMPUR – As the hot spell is expected to continue until next month, this will result in an increase in electricity consumption.
As such, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has today issued a guideline to help consumers save on their electricity bill.
Among simple daily practices are switching off the air conditioner, fan and lights in an empty room as well as turning off electrical appliances such as computers and monitors when not in use.
According to the guideline when the weather is hot, covering windows with thick curtains to block direct sunlight can prevent heat gain and reduce the load on an air conditioner to cool down a room, thus lowering electricity consumption.
In addition, turning on the fan at night helps to maximise air flow in a room and after the air conditioner has been turned on for a few hours, the room temperature will be at a comfortable level, so set the time for the air conditioner to be turned off, to save electricity consumption.
Another way to save electricity during the hot weather is to hang out washed clothes to dry, instead of using the clothes dryer and avoid turning on water heater switches when not in use.
Consumers are encouraged to choose electrical appliances with 4 or 5 star energy efficiency labelling recommended by the Energy Commission (ST) to help reduce electricity consumption in their homes.
Smart Metres will also help to keep tabs on electricity consumption to enable consumers to take the necessary steps to control their usage.
For more information on energy saving measures visit www.mytnb.com.my/energy-efficiency/home-energy-savings-tips/tips-tricks.
Power supply disruptions
Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) meanwhile in an unrelated development has said investigations into recent complaints on frequent power supply interruptions revealed that its underground cables were damaged due to construction works related to the Pan Borneo Highway.
The supply interruptions have affected about 2,500 SEB customers in Bekenu, Batu Niah and surroundings areas in Miri (along Bintulu-Miri Road).
Hence, SEB is urging third-party contractors to contact the company before starting excavation works to avoid damaging the underground cables and causing unnecessary supply interruptions.
Its utility arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad chief executive officer, Lau Kim Swee said the company was deeply concerned as safety incidents and unplanned supply interruptions continued despite numerous engagements with the relevant third-party contractors on safe work practices near electrical installations along the project route.
“The contractors must check the cable route with us to make sure everything is safe and to follow the guidelines, and not to assume the location or depth of the underground cables,” he said, adding that these basic precautionary measures would avoid many unwanted incidents and keep the lights on for the people.
“This will also ensure the safety of the contractors and their workers. We want everybody to go home safely,” added Lau in a statement.
Urging contractors to work closely with Sarawak Energy, Lau also said that most incidents could have been avoided if the contractors practised proper planning and consultation, and take precautionary measures.
To date, 476 excavation cases causing cable damage have been recorded since 2018, with damages costing about RM3.2 million.
Lau said in January this year alone, 12 cases were recorded, adding that in these cases, Sarawak Energy would issue a warning letter and bill the contractor responsible for the cost of repairing the damage and for revenue loss.
