Cheap power for the poor to continue

Those enjoying free electricity under a government exemption where consumption is below RM20 per month can continue do so for another year.

The Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui said in a press statement that the government had decided to retain the exemption initiated in October last year as the country's economy has yet to recover.

"The move was introduced in the Budget 2009 and it was due to expire December this year.

"However, the government concerned over the state of economy as well as concern for those in the lower income group, the government has decided to carry on with the programme until December 2010," said Chin.

"The exemption to the electricity bill to the customer is based on the category of domestic demand for the month concerned," added Chin.

He further said that 1.05 million customers under the domestic category enjoy the benefits from the exemption on average.

Since the move was introduced, the government was spending RM11.95 million per month on average to make up for the exemption in the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

"Until September 2009, RM143.4 million has been paid by the government to manage the cost of the electricity bill for qualified domestic customers.

Chin said that the government would have to bear an extra RM143 million for the continuation next year.

He also reminded consumers and the public to use energy wisely, adding that a new electricity tariff may be introduced from January if it was approved by the cabinet.