How to Apply for TNB’s Time of Use (TOU) Scheme—and Why It Matters for Your Electricity Bill
- Jomanda Heng
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
The Time of Use (TOU) scheme by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is a tariff option that allows consumers—especially commercial and industrial users—to pay different electricity rates depending on the time of day they consume electricity.
It is designed to:
Encourage off-peak usage
Reduce electricity demand during peak hours
Support Malaysia’s efforts toward efficient energy consumption
The TOU scheme was introduced to better manage electricity demand across the national grid. TNB observed that peak-hour consumption, especially from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, placed a heavy load on power generation facilities. To:
Reduce the risk of power outages
Encourage energy savings
Shift non-essential usage to off-peak hours
…it introduced TOU as a demand response mechanism. It aligns with Malaysia’s national energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
TOU is available to Medium Voltage (MV) and High Voltage (HV) users in the commercial and industrial sectors. TNB has also rolled out a Residential TOU Tariff (TOU-D) on a pilot basis to help high-consumption households shift usage and save costs.
How TOU Works: Peak vs Off-Peak
Time Period | Tariff Rate |
Peak (8am–10pm) | Higher rate (RM/kWh) |
Off-Peak (10pm–8am) | Lower rate (RM/kWh) |
By shifting operations or electricity use (e.g., running machines, charging EVs, doing laundry) to off-peak hours, consumers can save significantly on monthly bills.
How to Apply for TOU Scheme with TNB
For Commercial/Industrial Users:
Contact TNB Representative: Reach out to your account manager or the nearest TNB Customer Service Centre.
Eligibility Check: TNB will review your load profile and advise if TOU is suitable.
Site Assessment: A technical evaluation of your premises may be done.
Contract Signing: You'll need to agree to the new TOU tariff terms.
Meter Upgrade: A smart meter or TOU-enabled meter will be installed if not already in place.
Activation: Once approved and installed, the TOU tariff will go live in your next billing cycle.
For Residential Users (TOU-D Trial):
Check Availability: Currently available in selected areas (e.g., Klang Valley, Melaka).
Apply via myTNB Portal: Go to https://www.mytnb.com.my
Smart Meter Required: Only homes with TNB smart meters are eligible.
Review and Accept Terms: Choose TOU-D as your tariff plan and confirm via the portal.
Things to Consider Before Applying
Your Usage Pattern: If most of your electricity use is during the day, TOU might increase your bill.
Operational Flexibility: Businesses with flexible hours or automated machinery can benefit most.
Smart Meter Required: This is non-negotiable for TOU eligibility.
Final Thoughts
The TOU scheme is part of TNB’s larger push toward sustainable and intelligent energy consumption. While it’s not ideal for every user, it presents an opportunity to reduce costs for those who can shift their energy usage outside of peak hours. Whether you're a factory owner, a night owl, or just trying to lower your carbon footprint, TOU might be worth exploring.
References:
TNB Official TOU Tariff Information:https://www.mytnb.com.my/residential/pricing-tariffs/time-of-use-tariff
Energy Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Tenaga):https://www.st.gov.my/
TNB Newsroom & FAQ:https://www.tnb.com.my/
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