PETALING JAYA: Is a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation suited for every house? Should a homeowner choose an instant water heater over a storage water heater? At what point is driving an electric vehicle better than keeping the fossil fuel equivalent?
These are a sampling of questions that authorities hope the people will be able to largely figure out themselves once they are sufficiently “energy literate”.
Broadly defined, energy literacy is the understanding of how power is generated, distributed, used and its impact on the environment, and encompasses the main dimensions of knowledge, attitude and practice or behaviour.
According to sustainability experts, energy literacy is what will tip the scales in favour of behaviour that is sustainable in terms of managing carbon emissions.
“As we already know, most of the electricity generated in Malaysia comes from fossil-fuel sources, so the less the need to burn natural gas or coal for electricity, the better it is for the environment in terms of emissions,” said Michael Joseph, a consultant in the power generation business with more than 25 years of experience.
Malaysia’s energy literacy drive is showing some tangible outcomes since March 2023, when the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry launched the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP).
At the launch event, the ministry said MELP is designed to increase public awareness and knowledge of the energy industry and create a class of users called “energy-sensitive” users.
Much work remained in the background until Sept 2 this year, where Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof unveiled the MELP website (see sidebar).
In a statement to The Star, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, who is also chairman and patron of MELP, said energy literacy is no longer optional.
“It is the foundation for Malaysia’s transition to 70% renewable energy and net zero emissions by 2050. MELP, pioneered by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and now led nationally through Petra, reflects a whole-of-nation effort that brings together ministries, industry partners and the public to build an energy-conscious society.
Akmal Nasrullah added that when Malaysians understand how energy is produced, used and valued, they will participate more confidently in shaping the country’s future.
“Through MELP, TNB and our government partners are aligning ministries, agencies and stakeholders to drive informed decision-making, responsible energy use and accelerate our journey towards cleaner, more sustainable energy,” he said.
A lot of the work behind MELP fell on TNB’s shoulder, as well as the Energy Commission, along with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda), Malaysia Programme Office for Power Electricity Reform Corporation (or MyPower, a special purpose vehicle under Petra), Yayasan Hijau Malaysia, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), Malakoff, NUR Power and Edra Energy.
For Malaysia to accelerate its energy transition and have 70% of renewable energy in the mix, and net zero emissions by 2050, it is crucial to get public buy-in on the processes involved.
Here, TNB plays a key role as it is a common touch point for the public when it comes to electricity.
TNB, as lead, has roped in nine ministries, higher learning institutions and industry players to deliver a unified public messaging and coordinated outreach.
For one, it is starting them young, or what the utility calls “pre-customers”, a category that includes students, undergraduates (eight universities now have modules on energy literacy) and young adults.
The other category involves significant energy consumers and the wider public.
Topics covered include understanding electricity bills and tariffs, electrical safety, energy sources, renewable energy and sustainability, energy efficiency and conservation, among others.
One such example could be seen in Perlis recently, with TNB partnering with Star Media Group Bhd to reach several schools around Kangar.
When met, participant Fatin Nazirah Nurulaini Saiful Azrin, 11, said her parents have always taught her to switch off appliances when not in use.
“In my house, we do not have air-conditioning, as my parents said we can always manage with fans.
“We are mindful about the use of lights as well and have started using LED bulbs as it is energy efficient,” she said during the “Powering The Future 3.0” launch, a MELP event organised by TNB at SK Dato Wan Ahmad.
Fatin is now aware that her household of four persons chalks up an electricity bill of up to RM200 each month.
“Our parents would teach us how much things cost and how to conserve usage. I learnt that it is wasteful to wash a few pieces at a time because not only does it use up energy, it wastes water as well,” she said, adding that the programme has helped her see things differently.
“It has taught me to utilise natural illumination more, so that there is less need to switch on the lights,” she said.
Muhammad Hariz Aqil Khairul Azmir, 11, said with four air-conditioning units at home for each room, he understands why his parents constantly advise him and siblings to be mindful of their usage.
“Even when we go to bed, my parents will set the air conditioner on a timer or switch it off once the room is cool,” he said, adding that he learned that air conditioners should be best left no colder than 24°C for better savings.
