Consumers, rejoice. Environment, increase your worries. Dateline 2009-02-08:
TAMPIN: Electricity tariffs for households and industries will be reduced from March 1. It is learnt that the reduction could be between 5% and 10%.
“We are working with the Economic Planning Unit on this and I will brief the Cabinet on Wednesday,” Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said yesterday.
However, he refused to divulge the quantum of reduction.
Shaziman said that apart from lowering power rates, the Government would also give rebates to industries which consumed a lot of electricity.
Citing an example, he said the steel and semi-conductor industries could benefit as power made up the bulk of their operational costs.
The Star Electric Tariff
I’m all for reducing the burden on consumers (read: me) during these trying times. However, isn’t there a way to do it whilst still promoting good energy management? How about using Japan’s model? They give tax break for use of energy efficient processes.
Maybe give us a rebate if we buy more energy efficient equipment and consumer electrics. If we don’t claim the rebate, the money goes to TNB.
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Posted by Wata 
Wata - Malaysian Oil and Gas Engineer 