The investigation paper completed 2 weeks following consumers’ complaints over the sharp rise in electricity bills

by BERNAMA/ pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE probe into Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) alleged violation of the Energy Commission’s standard for service levels has been completed with the investigation paper (IP) sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for feedback.

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin told reporters that the IP was completed two weeks following consumers’ complaints over the sharp rise in their electricity bills.

She earlier launched the Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge at Greentech Malaysia Corp in Bangi, Selangor.

Last May, a number of consumers vented their anger on TNB after their bills showed an extraordinary increase as compared to the amount they usually pay.

Assuring those affected, Yeo was reported to have said TNB would be penalised as it has committed an offence under the Electricity Supply Act 1990.

TNB on May 31 admitted that there was a technical hitch in the billing system resulting in the excessive charges.

On the penalty, Yeo said the ministry wants a large fine.

“We’ll see how it goes,” she added.

On the Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge, the minister said it is targeted to establish and designate 200 low-carbon zones across the country by 2030, and at least 1,000 low-carbon cities partners working together towards a low-carbon future.

She said the goal of the challenge is to reduce the overall emissions from Malaysian cities by 45% by 2030.

Yeo said the low-carbon zones will have reduced emissions from energy and water consumption from buildings and common areas, reduced emissions from petrol and diesel private vehicle use, and reduced emissions from the generation of waste that end up in landfills.

Those who succeed in the challenge will be awarded diamond recognition by the ministry and will have the opportunity to participate in various low-carbon programmes, she said.

Meanwhile, at the launch of Malaysia’s largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) project under the net energy metering (NEM) scheme by Goodyear Malaysia Bhd that was held later in the day, Yeo expressed her confidence that the solar industry will be able to create more jobs in the country.

She said more than 54,300 Malaysians have been working in related fields in the industry since 2011.

“In line with the government’s aim to provide sustainable solar energy, we have been creating jobs in the industry,” she told reporters.

Yeo said currently, the solar industry does not only focus on the installation of solar panels on commercial buildings, but also on factory premises.

“This has been done by Goodyear, who has installed solar panels on its factory premises as a step towards reducing its carbon footprint, as well as ensuring a more environmentally friendly future.

“It will also help the company reduce electricity consumption and cut down its electricity bills,” she said.

Meanwhile, Goodyear manufacturing operations Asia-Pacific director Ramon Le said Goodyear has installed 6,680 solar panels, which are connected to six low voltage substations capable of generating 2.5MW, not only for the manufacturing plant, but also for the office building and the warehouse.

He said the panels were made from 375W bifacial monocrystalline PERC double glass solar modules, capable of reducing 1980 tonnes in carbon emissions annually for 25 years.

The NEM scheme is a solar PV initiative by the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change to encourage Malaysia’s renewable-energy uptake.