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When TNB launched its new Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity tariff on 1 July 2025, many families were curious and a little anxious. Would this new system help cut down on monthly bills, or would it quietly punish stay-at-home parents and those with young children? Although the July billing cycle includes the start of the TOU period, most households won't fully feel the impact until their August electricity bill arrives. That’s when a full month under the new structure will be reflected. But already, parents are questioning how they’re expected to avoid peak-hour usage when real life happens during the hottest and busiest parts of the day. Let’s take a closer look at how the plan works and whether it’s realistic for Malaysian households, especially those raising young children. What Is TOU, and How Does It Work? Image credit: TNB Malaysia Under the TOU plan, the day is split into three time blocks on weekdays: Off-peak (cheapest): 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Mid-peak: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Peak (most expensive): 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On weekends and public holidays, all day is considered off-peak, so electricity is charged at the lowest rate. Why Parents and Families Are Concerned Let’s think about stay-at-home parents. At noon, the house gets hot - the fan isn’t enough, so the air con goes on. It’s time to boil water, cook lunch, and sterilise bottles. All of this happens just before or during peak hours. By evening, the kids need dinner. The washing machine is on, the water heater is used for showers, and lights are on in every room. This also falls into the most expensive time slot. Working Parents Both parents are out during the day. They return at 7:00 p.m. and may do laundry, cooking, and cleaning after 10:00 p.m. Because most of their energy use happens during off-peak times, they could actually save money. The TOU plan works well for some homes, but not all. It really depends on when you use the most electricity. How to Apply for the TOU Tariff TNB allows you to apply in three ways: Online Go to the myTNB portal or use the myTNB mobile app Select 'Change of Tariff' under 'Get Electricity' Email Send your form and a copy of your IC (MyKad) to tnbcareline@tnb.com.my Walk-in Visit your nearest Kedai Tenaga office You will need: A completed form (available on the portal or at Kedai Tenaga) A copy of your MyKad For businesses: registration form and authorisation letter How Long Does It Take? If you already have a smart meter: it usually takes about 5 working days If you don’t have a smart meter: TNB will upgrade it, and it might take up to 2 months Tips to Prep Your Household Ahead of the August Bill Even if you’re unsure whether the TOU plan is for you, now is the time to observe your habits and experiment with adjustments before the August bill lands. Here are a few realistic tips: 1. Use appliance timers: Many washing machines and rice cookers have delay-start functions. Try setting them to run after 10 p.m., when rates are lowest. 2. Cook in the mornings: Prep meals early while it’s still cooler and reheat later. It also keeps your kitchen heat down in the afternoon. 3. Cool smarter, not harder: Close curtains from 11 a.m. onward, use cross-ventilation, or place a bowl of cold water near the fan to enhance cooling. 4. Batch household chores: Combine ironing, vacuuming, and washing into off-peak sessions - such as early mornings on weekends. 5. Track your usage: The myTNB app lets you monitor your household’s electricity consumption by hour. Use it to see which appliances are spiking your usage during peak hours. Can You Switch Back to the General Tariff? If you’ve tried the Time-of-Use (TOU) plan and it doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you can switch back to the regular General Tariff anytime. However, TNB recommends that you wait at least one full billing cycle before switching back. This gives you a fair chance to see if TOU actually helps reduce your bill or not. Steps to switch back: Fill in the 'Electricity Tariff Contract Change Form': You can get this form from myTNB or ask for it at any Kedai Tenaga. Prepare the required documents: A copy of your MyKad, police/military ID, or passport If applying on behalf of a company: Company registration certificate (SSM) Authorisation letter or official company confirmation letter Send your application through one of these methods: Email: tnbtou@tnb.com.my Walk-in: Go to your nearest Kedai Tenaga Online: Submission via myTNB portal or app (coming soon) Pay RM10 stamp duty: This fee will be added to your next month’s electricity bill. Choose What Works For Your Family Electricity in a family home isn't about numbers alone - it's about comfort, care, and the routines that support everyday life. From cooling a baby during their nap to preparing warm food at dinnertime, energy use is deeply personal. So don’t feel pressured to make sweeping changes overnight. Observe, adjust, and above all, choose the plan that allows your family to live well - not just pay less. You've got this, parents! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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