Peninsular Malaysian households can get cheaper off-peak electricity rates under the new Time-of-Use (ToU) scheme which was introduced as part of the new electricity tariff restructuring. Essentially, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) domestic users can enjoy savings on their bills especially for those who consume more electricity during off-peak hours. This makes it ideal for EV owners who often charge their EV overnight at home.
Here’s everything you need to know including on-peak and off-peak electricity tariff, how to apply and other things that matter.
What is ToU scheme? How much do you save?
Time-of-Use (ToU) is a scheme that encourages electricity usage during off-peak hours when the demand is low. Meanwhile, the electricity rates will be slightly higher during peak hours due to high demand.
Under the current tariff which starts from 1st July 2025, the default energy charge under the general scheme is 27.03 sen per kWh for usage of 1,500kWh and below, and 37.03 sen per kWh for usage above 1,500kWh.
If you currently consume up to 1,500kWh of energy per month, the energy charge under ToU during off-peak hours is 24.43 per kWh (save 2.6 sen per kWh), while during peak hours, it costs slightly more at 28.52 sen per kWh (increase of 1.49 sen per kWh).
For households that consume over 1,500kWh, the rates are 10 sen more per kWh with off-peak rate of 34.43 sen per kWh and peak rate of 38.52 sen per kWh. But the savings remain the same at 2.6 sen per kWh during off-peak hours but you pay slightly more during peak hours at 1.49 sen per kWh versus the general scheme.
The off-peak hours are quite extensive as it covers 16 hours during weekdays and 24 hours for weekends and public holidays. In a normal week without holidays, that’s a total of 128 off-peak hours and 40 peak hours.
Here’s the off-peak and peak hours under the ToU scheme:
Monday to Friday
- Off-peak: 10:00pm to 2:00pm (16 hours)
- Peak: 2:00pm to 10:00pm (8 hours)
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
- Off-peak: All-day (24 hours)
According to TNB, there are 15 public holidays as listed below:
- New Year
- 1st day Chinese New Year
- 2nd day Chinese New Year
- 1st day Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- 2nd day Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- Labour Day
- Wesak Day
- YDP Agong’s Birthday
- Hari Raya Aidiladha
- Awal Muharram
- Independence Day
- Malaysia Day
- Maulidur Rasul
- Deepavali Day
- Christmas Day
For clarity, all TNB households can still use electricity during peak hours. You are able to utilise your aircon, fan, washing machine, induction cooker and even charge your EV between 2:00pm and 10:00pm. The only difference is that you’ll be paying a slight increase of 1.49 sen per kWh compared to the general tariff scheme.
The amount of savings depends on how much electricity you consume during off-peak hours. For example, if you consume 400kWh of electricity per month during off-peak hours to charge your EV or run other high demand appliances, you’ll save RM10.40 versus the general scheme.
If you use 1,000kWh during off-peak hours, you’ll save RM26.00 on Energy charges alone.
As outlined under TNB’s new billing structure, the electricity bill is now broken down to additional components which also include Capacity Charge of 4.55 sen per kWh, Network Charge at 12.85 sen per kWh and Retail Charge that’s fixed at RM10 per month.
For the month of July 2025, the Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA) rate, which replaces the old ICPT (Imbalance Cost Pass-Through) mechanism, is currently set at RM0.00.
Also not forgetting there are extra incentives such as:
- Retail Charge waiver – Monthly usage of 600kWh and below
- Energy Efficiency Incentive – Rebate up to 25 sen per kWh, for usage of 1,000kWh and below
How to apply for ToU scheme with TNB?
The ToU scheme is not mandatory and it is not automatic. Domestic users who are not ready to adopt peak and off-peak tariffs can still remain on their existing General Tariff.
Initially, the ToU scheme was only available at your nearest Kedai Tenaga, however, TNB is now also accepting applications via email at tnbtou@tnb.com.my. Applications for ToU via the MyTNB app will be made available later.
To apply for ToU, you’ll need to submit the following:
- Completed Electricity Supply Application Form (English, BM)
- Copy of ID of registered customer (MyKad/Police/Army ID or Passport)
- Copy of Company/Organisation Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Authorisation Letter/Application Endorsement from Company/Organisation (if application)
Take note that a Stamp Duty Charge of RM10 will be charged in the following bill as part of the contract for the new tariff scheme.
Previously, TNB says that ToU is only open for users with a Smart Meter, but the latest revision has stated that it is now open to all registered TNB customers.
For TNB Domestic users with a smart meter, it takes approximately 5 working days to activate the ToU scheme. For those without a smart meter installed or activated, it will take up to 2 months to process the application and to upgrade the meter at the premises.
Can you switch back from ToU to General Tariff Scheme?
What happens if you’re not saving with ToU and would like to switch back to the General Tariff scheme? According to TNB, you can apply to switch back from ToU to General Tariff scheme, however, you’ll be charged a Stamp Duty charge of RM10.
While there’s no minimum contract or duration, TNB recommends waiting for at least one full bill cycle to assess the potential savings before making the decision to switch back to the general scheme.
For more information, you can visit TNB’s new tariff page.
Related reading
- Home Solar: Existing NEM arrangement mostly unchanged for current holders
- TNB Electricity Bill Comparison: Old versus New (July 2025)
- EV owners can enjoy cheaper home charging with TNB’s off-peak pricing
- West Malaysia’s new Electricity Tariff Structure (July 2025): What’s changed, and how it impacts your TNB bill
- New electricity tariff structure for West Malaysia effective 1st July 2025, promises fairer electricity rates
Off-peak electricity rates: How to apply for TNB ToU tariff scheme online
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