The truth about smart meters

Getting smart meters installed is free.

TECHNOLOGICAL advancements have improved our lives. With technology we are able to track various aspects of our lives – from the calories we consume, to the number of steps we take, the mileage of our vehicle, our mobile data consumption – and through it live our lives better.

Now, Malaysia is taking it a step further with the smart meter – a device to help households and businesses track their energy consumption.

Smart meters function similarly to the conventional meters with the exception that the smart meter enables homeowners to view and track their daily energy consumption levels, via the myTNB app or portal.

Smart meters are certainly the first step towards a smarter, sustainable and greener future. But despite all these benefits and the great potential it has for the future of our country, there is still some scepticism surrounding the smart meter.

It’s time to debunk some of the myths surrounding the smart meter and provide an accurate representation of this revolutionary device.

Myth 1: Smart meters can be harmful to health

Most digital devices – mobile phones, microwaves and even the WiFi routers – emit a certain amount of radio frequency (RF), all of which are far higher than what smart meters emit, which is a mere 0.1 microwatt per square centimetre, well below the hazard threshold.

For devices to be safe around people, the recommended RF level should be below 1,000 microwatts per square centimetre.

In fact, smart meters have undergone an in-depth review by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has conclusively proven that the small amount of RF produced is not harmful to human health.

They have also been approved by SIRIM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, so rest assured with the knowledge that having a smart meter in your home is not harmful to your health.

Myth 2: Smart meter is not accurate

Smart meters are capable of tracking the electricity consumption data as per its usage.

This means that smart meters provide a far more accurate reading of your daily electricity consumption than before, which in turn means you will only pay for exactly the amount of energy you have used.

The transmission of data on your energy consumption levels to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and the ability to view how much energy is being consumed on the myTNB app or portal means that there is a great level of transparency involved in the billing process too.

With smart meters, there is a significantly lower margin of error when it comes to calculating your bill, as everything is measured digitally on a daily basis and not through someone taking an approximate reading at the end of the month.

Indeed, all issued smart meters have been certified by the Energy Commission to ensure that it meets all international standards and are calibrated and certified against the Metering Guideline under the purview of the Energy Commission.

Myth 3: Smart meters make me vulnerable to spies and hackers

The smart meter’s only function is to measure the amount of energy you use and to communicate that information to the utility provider.

To ensure the public’s safety is secured, smart meters undergo rigorous testing to ensure it meets industry standards.

In adherence to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, features such as data encryption, authentication and password protection have been incorporated into the smart meter system and network, which is consistently assessed to ensure that the network cannot be compromised.

The function of the RF pole in the neighbourhood is only to enable communication of data between the different meters and TNB.

Conclusion

As we continue to embrace the digital lifestyle to make our lives better, it is important that we gain in-depth understanding of our energy usage as well, to help us separate myths from the truths.

Learn more about TNB’s smart meters and the myTNB app at www.tnb.com.my