Tenaga Nasional Bhd, or TNB, has confirmed that eligible domestic customers will receive a pro-rata credit in their October 2026 electricity bills following adjustments to the government's electricity protection threshold. The credit applies to customers whose monthly electricity consumption does not exceed 800 kilowatt-hours, or kWh. It reflects the revised benefits that were introduced for September after the government expanded the protection threshold for domestic users.
The adjustment follows the government's announcement on 17 September to increase the domestic customer protection threshold from 600kWh to 800kWh per month. This means a larger group of households can now benefit from exemptions that were previously limited to those with lower electricity consumption.
Protection Threshold Increased To 800kWh
Under the revised arrangement, domestic customers consuming 800kWh or less per month between 1 September and 31 December 2026 will receive full exemption from several electricity-related charges. These exemptions are intended to reduce the overall electricity cost for households that remain within the new consumption threshold.
Eligible customers will be fully exempted from the automatic fuel adjustment, or AFA, charge. They will also be exempted from the RM10 retail charge and the 8% service tax during the applicable period. The move effectively extends the existing electricity protection measures to households with slightly higher monthly usage.
September Adjustment Will Appear In October Bills
Since the threshold revision was announced after September had already begun, TNB will apply the adjustment retrospectively on a pro-rata basis. Eligible customers will not need to submit a separate application, as the relevant amount will be credited directly into their October 2026 electricity bills.
Customers should be able to identify the adjustments clearly on their bills. TNB said the entries will appear under the descriptions "BILL ADJUSTMENT (SEPT 2026)" and "SERVICE TAX ADJUSTMENT (8.0 per cent) (SEPT 2026)". This should make it easier for households to understand how much has been credited following the revised protection threshold.
Full Exemption Runs Until The End Of 2026
The expanded protection applies to eligible monthly electricity consumption from 1 September until 31 December 2026. Households that remain at or below 800kWh during this period will continue enjoying the full exemptions from the AFA charge, RM10 retail charge and 8% service tax.
This makes monthly consumption an important factor in determining eligibility. Customers whose usage rises beyond the 800kWh threshold may no longer receive the same level of protection for that billing period. Monitoring electricity consumption can therefore help households maximise the available savings.
TNB Encourages Customers To Monitor Daily Usage
TNB has also encouraged customers to actively monitor their electricity consumption instead of waiting until the monthly bill arrives. Customers can use the myTNB app to keep track of their daily electricity usage and better understand how household activities contribute to overall consumption.
TNB recommends keeping daily usage below 25kWh where possible. For homes equipped with smart meters, customers can also set an energy budget of below RM328 through the myTNB app. These tools can provide earlier warnings when electricity usage begins approaching the desired monthly limit.
Air-Conditioning Habits Can Help Reduce Consumption
Air-conditioning is one of the household appliances that can contribute significantly to electricity usage, particularly in Malaysia's warm climate. TNB recommends setting air-conditioner temperatures between 24°C and 26°C to improve energy efficiency while still maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
Using the timer function can also help prevent air-conditioners from operating longer than necessary. Small adjustments to everyday usage patterns can make a noticeable difference when applied consistently throughout the month. This is particularly relevant for households trying to remain below the 800kWh protection threshold.
Time-Of-Use Scheme May Offer Additional Savings
Customers can also consider TNB's Time-of-Use, or TOU, scheme as another way of managing electricity costs. The programme allows households to shift the use of high-powered electrical appliances towards off-peak hours, when electricity usage conditions may be more favourable.
Activities such as operating washing machines, dryers or other power-hungry appliances can potentially be scheduled during these periods. Combined with regular monitoring through myTNB, the TOU approach gives customers another way to manage both electricity consumption and household expenses more strategically.
Final Thoughts
TNB's October 2026 bill adjustment will provide eligible customers with the September pro-rata credit following the government's decision to increase the domestic electricity protection threshold from 600kWh to 800kWh per month. Households consuming no more than 800kWh will enjoy full exemption from the AFA charge, RM10 retail charge and 8% service tax for the period from 1 September to 31 December 2026.
Customers do not need to apply separately for the September adjustment, as it will appear automatically in the October bill. At the same time, TNB is encouraging households to monitor daily consumption, practise energy-efficient habits and consider the Time-of-Use scheme to make the most of the available savings.
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