KOTA KINABALU: There will be no changes in the electricity tariff rates and rebates for Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan federal territory, in the next six months.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili said the decision was made by the Cabinet at its weekly meeting on June 21.
The government agreed to provide a total rebate of 2.54 sen/kilowatt per hour (kWh) in Peninsular; comprising fuel surcharge of 1.02 sen / kWh and tariff rebate of 1.52 sen/kWh.
This was done by utilising the Power Purchase Agreements with First Generation Independent Power Producers (PPA Saving Fund) between July and December.
For Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, the electricity tariff rebate was retained at 1.20 sen/kWh.
"The Cabinet has also agreed to maintain the average rate of basic electricity tariff in Peninsular at 38.53 sen/kWh.
"While the average electricity tariff rate in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan remains at 34.52 sen/kWh," he said in a press conference on the power tariff review here today.
He said the Cabinet has also given the green light for a RM1.303 billion allocation to cushion the increase in fuel cost and electricity generation for consumers in Peninsular in the six month period.
"Meanwhile, consumers in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan will receive a special subsidy amounting to RM468 million for 2017.
"The RM1.303 billion allocation is from the Renegotiation of the PPA Saving Fund," he explained.
Overall, the adjustment of electricity tariffs under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through Mechanism (ICPT) has enabled electricity consumers to enjoy an estimated total rebate of RM5.403 billion in the Peninsular and RM196.26 million in Sabah and Labuan for the period of between March 2015 and December this year.