TNB: Higher Electricity Tariffs Set for April 2026 Onwards

How Malaysian homeowners can realistically save 30–50% during this energy crisis

TNB is already saying, get ready for higher electricity prices. Our PMX has sounded the alarm: an energy crunch will be coming.

The good news is that it is possible for you to lower your bill today. Because you’re probably already overpaying 20%–50% on your electricity bill anyway.

Not because TNB is charging you more. Not because your house is too big.

But because of small, invisible habits quietly draining money every single day.

Where’s the money leakage?

The Baseline: What a Typical Malaysian Household Spends

A typical urban household in Malaysia spends roughly:

• RM150 – RM300/month on electricity
• Let’s use a middle case: RM200/month

Now here’s how that RM200 is usually distributed:

So it’s not one big thing, but many many small thingies. Such as…

The Aircon Trap 

In Malaysia’s heat, air conditioning isn’t a luxury. It’s basic survival.

But it’s also your single biggest energy expense, often making up half your bill.

Here are the common mistakes:

❌ Setting aircon too low

• Dropping from 24°C → 22°C increases energy use by ~12–20%
• Many homes run at 20–22°C unnecessarily

❌ Poor maintenance

• Dirty filters reduce efficiency by 5–15%
• Gas imbalance or clogged coils make it worse over time

❌ No airflow support

• Without fans, people lower temperature instead of improving circulation

How ah?

• Set aircon to 24–26°C
• Use fan + aircon together
• Clean filters monthly, service regularly

Real savings: RM20–RM60/month. That’s 10–30% off your total bill

Lighting: Easiest Thing to Fix

Lighting feels harmless… but inefficient bulbs are silent energy burners.

Traditional bulbs waste 75–80% of energy as heat

LEDs use up to 80% less electricity

If lighting makes up RM20–RM30 of your bill:

You can save RM10–RM25/month instantly

That’s 5–10% total savings, with almost zero lifestyle change. But need to spend a bit to replace the bulbs la. That one can go to your Mr DIY to buy.

The Invisible Money Waster: Standby Power

Even when “off”, devices like:

• TVs
• Routers
• Chargers
• Astro boxes

…are still consuming electricity.

This is called phantom load, and it accounts for:

 5–10% of your electricity bill

For a RM200 bill: That’s RM10–RM20/month wasted doing absolutely nothing

How to fix?

• Use power strips with switches
• Turn off clusters of devices at once

Also safer, no risk of electricity fires.

Hot Water: Don’t Burn a Hole In Your Pocket

Water heaters quietly consume a lot of power.

• They typically make up 10–15% of your bill
• Long hot showers multiply usage quickly

Try to do this?

• Reduce shower time slightly
• Turn off heater when not in use
• Upgrade to efficient instant heaters

Savings: RM8–RM20/month
Around 4–10% total reduction

Your Fridge: Sejuk Tapi Mahal

Your fridge never sleeps. It runs 365 days a year.

But most people unknowingly make it work harder:

• Overloading blocks airflow
• Opening too frequently
• Dusty coils reduce efficiency

How to save money?

• Keep temperature optimal (~4°C / -18°C)
• Allow airflow between items
• Clean coils periodically

💰 Savings: RM5–RM15/month
👉 Around 2–7% total savings

Cooling Loss: When Your Money Literally Escapes

Here’s something most homeowners overlook:

👉 Your aircon might be working hard… but your house is leaking cool air.

Common culprits:

• Poor window sealing
• Thin curtains
• Heat entering through glass

How ah?

• Install blackout curtains or window film
• Seal door/window gaps
• Reduce heat entering the home

This reduces aircon workload by 10–30%

Savings: RM10–RM40/month
About 5–15% total savings

Old Appliances: The Hidden Dinosaurs

You think you’re saving money but not replacing that 1980s aircon, but thennnnnnnnn

• New inverter models use 20–40% less electricity
• Especially impactful for:
  • Air conditioners
  • Fridges
  • Washing machines

Potential savings: RM20–RM80/month
Up to 10–30% reduction

So… How Much Can You REALLY Save?

Let’s add it up realistically.

If you make a few simple changes:

• Aircon optimisation
• Switch off standby
• Minor habit tweaks

Savings: RM60–RM80/month
Up to ~30% reduction

If you optimise properly:

• Lighting upgrade
• Better cooling control
• Efficient appliances

Savings: RM80–RM120/month
40–50% reduction

Don’t Need to Spend Money to Save Money:

You don’t need:

• Solar panels
• Expensive renovations
• Massive lifestyle changes

You just need to fix small inefficiencies that compound daily.