Dramatic Electricity Bill Reduction: From RM171 To RM35 In Just Five Months
As Malaysia continues to develop its renewable energy sector, stories like Theeban’s underscore the potential for individual actions to make a significant difference.
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In an inspiring demonstration of how small lifestyle changes can lead to significant savings, Theeban Gunasekaran, an education officer and urban garden trainer at the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP), has remarkably reduced his monthly electricity bill from RM171 to RM35 within five months.
Faced with high bills and rental costs, Theeban enrolled in CAP’s energy-saving program in August 2023.
His goal was to limit his monthly electricity costs to RM100.
Theeban lives with his supportive wife, and they comprise a two-person household.
Theeban’s Energy-Saving Journey: Small Changes, Big Impact
The key to Theeban’s success was a series of strategic lifestyle adjustments.
Foregoing air conditioning, he embraced natural ventilation by opening windows and using fans to combat the heat.
This change alone had a significant impact, as air conditioning is often the largest contributor to household electricity consumption in Malaysia.
Bila dapat bil elektrik tinggi, nak salahkan kerajaan buat apa? Bukan kerajaan yang suruh pasang air cond 24 jam🤦♀️@niknazmi @fahmi_fadzil https://t.co/WJK4hnDxz8
— Lyra (@lyra_fara) August 8, 2023
Additionally, Theeban has gone the extra mile by washing his clothes by hand rather than using an electric washing machine.
Small lifestyle changes like these can make a real difference to one’s energy use and bills over time, as Theeban’s experience demonstrates.
With his electricity bills under control, Theeban now focuses on water conservation.
His plans include reducing shower duration and minimizing the use of dishwashing water, emphasizing the importance of conserving every resource.
The Cost of Comfort: Understanding Malaysia’s Electricity Tariffs
Electricity in Malaysia can be expensive due to several factors, including fuel costs for power generation, infrastructure investments, and renewable energy sources.
The nation’s tariff structure encourages energy conservation and ensures consumers are mindful of their usage.
With rates per kilowatt hour climbing, cutting back where possible takes on extra significance for Malaysian households trying to balance their finances.
Mahal siak BILIK dkt KL ni, saiz mcm liang lahad pun RM1000 sebulan, belum masuk bil air, dan elektrik, maintenance. Dah separuh gaji 💀. Makan pun dah RM600 sebulan. Wifi lak RM199 sebab kena OT dari rumah. RM50 monthly pass bas. If xde cost lain,then bebetul cukup untuk survive
— Raiz (@raiz__9) January 13, 2024
Theeban’s story is not just one of personal victory but a clarion call for collective action towards sustainability.
His mantra, “Think twice before flicking a switch,” is a powerful reminder of our daily choices’ impact on our wallets and the planet.
Let’s celebrate Theeban’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
His story inspires others to follow suit, proving we can contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future with determination and mindful practices.
READ MORE: Malaysians Brace For Electricity Price Shock As 1.2 Million Users Face Soaring Bills
READ MORE: Skyrocketing Electricity Bills Leave Malaysian Family Struggling to Make Ends Meet
@forensik_hartanah Tag pasangan. Sapa nak agreemant sewa sila komen. Sebab tu jalau ada rumah sewa, jangan letak bil tnb atas nama owner. Buat agreemant sewa, supaya kalau berlaku apa2 boleh ambil tindakan kepada penyewa. #fyp #tnb #rumah ♬ Selawat Nabi Muhammad Saw – N.I.A
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