Starting 1 July 2025, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) will roll out a new electricity pricing option that could help Malaysian households save money—if they use it smartly. The Time of Use (ToU) scheme, previously only available to commercial and industrial customers, is now being extended to domestic low-voltage users—i.e., everyday households.

So what exactly is ToU, how does it work, and is it worth switching to? Let's break it all down.

What Is the Time of Use (ToU) Scheme?

The ToU scheme is a flexible electricity pricing model that charges different rates depending on when you use electricity. The idea is simple: during peak hours, when demand is high, rates go up. During off-peak hours, when demand is low, you'll be charged less.

This model is already common in many other countries and is being introduced to Malaysian homes as part of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)—an initiative aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing overall electricity consumption.

Who Can Opt In?

The ToU scheme isn't automatic—you'll need to opt in manually. It's open to all domestic and non-domestic low voltage users in Peninsular Malaysia, provided you have a Smart Meter, Current Transformer Meter, or Remote Meter Reading (RMR) meter installed.

To check your eligibility, just log in to the myTNB app or visit your nearest Kedai Tenaga service centre.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours: When to Use Power

Here's how TNB defines peak and off-peak hours:

If you can shift your heavier usage—like laundry, ironing, or running air conditioning—outside peak hours, this could translate to real savings.

How Much Will You Pay?

There are two ToU rate tiers based on your monthly electricity consumption:

For Homes Using Less Than 1,500 kWh/Month

For Homes Using More Than 1,500 kWh/Month

Retail Service Charge:
If you join the ToU program, you'll be charged a RM10 monthly fee, but it's waived if your usage stays below 600 kWh.

Is It Worth Opting In?

That depends on your lifestyle. If your household is generally active in the evenings—say, from 2 PM to 10 PM on weekdays—your electricity costs might actually rise under ToU. But if you can schedule major appliance usage for off-peak hours or make the most of weekends, you'll likely see savings.

ToU also gives you more control and transparency. It encourages smarter consumption patterns, which is not just good for your wallet, but also for the environment.

How to Opt In

Here's what you need to do:

More details are available on the official TNB site: www.mytnb.com.my/tariff

Final Thoughts

TNB's move to introduce Time of Use pricing to domestic users marks a major step in Malaysia's energy reform. It offers more flexibility, rewards energy-conscious behaviour, and aligns with global trends in utility management.

But remember—it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before signing up, evaluate your household's usage patterns and consider whether you're ready to shift consumption to off-peak hours.

Smart consumption = smarter savings.