Energy-efficient bulbs can save you money in the long run.
KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers are urged to use energy-efficient electrical appliances that will give cost-savings in the long term, said the Energy Commission (EC).
Head of Electricity Pricing Unit, Energy Development and Market Regulatory Department, Marlinda Mohd Rosli, said the EC had given star-rating labelling for energy-efficient appliances that are available at electrical goods shops such as refrigerators, fans, lightings and others.
“These products are a bit more expensive but for the long term, especially with the electricity tariff review which is happening constantly, it is more advantageous to the consumers if they buy products with energy-efficient labels,” she said.
She said this in a “Selamat Pagi Malaysia” programme, “Nadi Seri Pagi” titled “Electricity Tariff Rebate Adjustment” on TV1 published by Radio Televisyen Malaysia which was aired recently.
She said under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through mechanism which is part of the new Electricity Policy Appraisal Framework known as Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR), the actual cost of generating electricity tariff would be reviewed every six months.
She said in the latest review, there was an increase in fuel costs which should have been passed on to the consumers, but the government had decided to absorb it using the power purchase agreement (PPA) savings fund – fund arising from the renegotiation of the PPAs, to cover the costs.
“The Minister (Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili) had made an announcement on June 30, 2017 that the government would spend RM1.3 billion to ensure that the current electricity tariff rate is maintained and remained unchanged,” she said.
She further said that since March 2015, the total rebates that had been given to the consumers was RM5.4 billion.
Meanwhile, on special industrial tariff introduced to energy-intensive industries, she said the government is currently reviewing the incentive and it might end in 2020.
Introduced in 1995, the tariff is aimed at assisting energy-intensive industries such as cement and steel by giving discounts of eight to 10 per cent. – Bernama