Consumers turn to solar power with new tariffs

PETALING JAYA: Folk who use a lot of electricity say they will be looking towards the sun following the new tariffs for electricity usage – they’ll be considering solar power.

Accountant Christina Koh, who has a family of six and a monthly electricity bill of about RM1,000, said with the recent hot weather, her bill has increased to about RM1,500 to RM1,600.

“I have a fishpond pump and two refrigerators running all day. I used to switch on all the lights in the house but have cut down a lot now.

“All my shower heaters run on solar power.

“For air-conditioning, all my children sleep with me and my husband in a room. But sometimes, the bill will still hit RM1,000,” she said when contacted yesterday.

With the new electricity tariffs, Koh said she was considering installing more solar-powered appliances to lower her electricity bill.

Considering that the installation cost could be quite high, she said the government should look into ways to help and encourage users to switch to using sustainable and renewable energy.

She said she was all for lowering subsidies for high-income earners for the government to get the funds to help the less fortunate.

“As for utilities, we should be allowed to pay according to our consumption.

“I agree that the government should lower subsidies for higher-income groups, which is good for long-term economic growth,” she added.

Shirley Gan, a housewife, said her monthly electricity bill for her family of six is more than RM2,000.

“With the surcharge, my monthly bill will increase by RM500.

“With the increased amount that we have to pay, I hope Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s service will also improve,” she added.