Tenaga to use remote meter reading

PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Berhad is planning to introduce remote wireless meter reading in stages for its estimated 50,000 large power consumers (LPCs) and some ordinary consumers by the end of next year. 

Remote reading will allow Tenaga to get real-time metering data and the customer's usage pattern, and monitor for electricity theft, all without having to go onsite. 

Tenaga can also monitor the LPCs' demand graph during peak and non-peak times and plan its schedule of energy supply accordingly. 

Currently, more than 80% of Tenaga’s revenue is derived from LPCs. Last year, its total revenue from electricity billing to LPCs amounted to about RM15bil. 

Tenaga vice-president for distribution and TNB Distribution Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Engku Hashim Al-Edrus said about 2,000 LPCs were being monitored under a pilot project. 

Under the project, which began in September last year, electronic meters at LPC premises were connected via wireless radio and software to TNB Metering in Petaling Jaya. 

Tenaga is studying the results of the project and will soon be able to draw up relevant specifications for a general tender. 

“We shall be able to monitor the consumption pattern hourly and be able to serve the customer better in ensuring adequacy of supply, especially during times of higher demand. 

“The information gathered also can be used for load demand profiling,” Engku Hashim said in an interview. 

He said the remote monitoring could facilitate speedy monthly billing. 

A total of 200 LPCs and 70 ordinary consumers in Selangor and the Federal Territory have been activated for remote metering.  

Remote metering cannot be implemented on all customers because it is not cost-effective. 

However, Engku Hashim said individual customers who are heavy users living near LPCs may be considered.