The traditional mode of energy distribution is a one-way flow of energy from power plants to consumers via the transmission and distribution grid. The energy transition, often characterised by a shift from conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives, has a profound impact on electrical grids. Distributed energy resources (DERs), including rooftop solar panels and small-scale wind turbines, contribute to a more decentralised energy landscape. This decentralisation can lead to a bidirectional flow of electricity on the grid as consumers become prosumers, both producing and consuming electricity. Smart grids and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) become essential for managing these dynamic energy flows.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

The AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communication networks, infrastructure, and application systems that enables 2-way communications between the utilities and the customers. It plays a foundational role in managing a complex energy value chain and facilitates energy transition and customer empowerment through network visibility:

Enabling visibility via on-ground data needed to manage future smart grid needs

Bridging visibility with customer empowerment through smart offerings

Renewable energy ready smart meters – enabling choice to participate in energy transition

The AMI acts as the sensor of the grid and enables TNB’s response to the evolving customer needs and expectations. At the same time, the smart meter component of the AMI enables customers to adopt a smarter, greener lifestyle through efficient energy consumption via various smart features available on myTNB portal and mobile app.

Smart Energy Consumption at Customers' Fingertips

In alignment with TNB’s Sustainability Pathway and Energy Transition Programme, myTNB has emerged as the central platform, empowering customers to harness energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint through tailored digital solutions and interactive features.

Through myTNB, customers who transitioned from electronic meters to smart meters can actively monitor their electricity usage and energy consumption in real-time – a crucial step towards efficient energy management. In the third quarter of 2023, we marked a significant milestone with over 3.2 million successful installations of smart meters. These customers are able to experience the benefits of near real-time energy monitoring and advanced features provided by smart meters. With our ongoing initiatives and strategic plans, we stay committed to surpassing our target of deploying 9 million smart meters by the end of 2030.

With myTNB mobile app, customers with smart meter are further empowered to embrace an energy-efficient lifestyle through interactive energy usage alerts, specifically through the Energy Budget feature. This innovative tool is part of a suite of digital solutions designed to guide customers toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient way of living.

The Energy Budget feature allows customers to manage their electricity consumption by setting personalised threshold alerts. It proactively engages customers with automated push notifications through myTNB when they reach certain threshold levels (75% and 100%) of their overall budget.

From its inception in 2021 to September 2023, the Energy Budget programme has achieved amazing traction, with over 240,000 customers enrolling for its benefits. Together, they made substantial strides towards a cleaner, greener world - contributing to a collective reduction of 89,410,179 kWh. This collective effort is equivalent to erasing 63,363¹ metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions (equivalent to carbon sequestered by 1,047,720 tree seedlings grown for 10 years) a stride closer towards environmental preservation. Moreover, the aggregated cost savings resulting from efficient energy management amount to a total of RM 38,147,190.00. Through these achievements, we are constructing a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. More tips on energy efficiency can be found at myTNB portal

Way Forward on Demand-Side Management

Supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, as well as the Energy Commission of Malaysia, the AMI has empowered more than 3.2 million customers to-date with enhanced visibility and smart meter offerings. As part of Malaysia Digital and Sustainability Plan, TNB is mandated to roll out AMI and smart meters to more than 9 million Ordinary Power Customers (OPC) in Peninsular Malaysia through year 2027 and beyond.

AMI roll-out plan in states and major cities of Peninsular Malaysia

Additional information on smart meters is also available at myTNB Portal > Smart meters

TNB AMI - "Smarter Energy Choices for a Sustainable Future"

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