Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), an electrical utility, has resumed the installation of smart metres in Malaysia after interruptions due to the COVID-19 lockdown. By the end of 2021, the agency has targeted to have installed 600,000 metres, bringing the total installed to over 1.8 million. Installations will initially be concentrated in Kuala Lumpur, as well as adjacent Selangor, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya.
TNB started its smart metres project in 2016, with the goal of nationwide coverage by 2021. The period was later expended until 2026, bringing the total number of households covered to more than 9.1 million. The smart metres are a key aspect of Malaysia’s smart grid goals, along with automated monitoring and control, as well as the integration of renewable energy (RE), with a target of 8.3 GW, or 31 per cent penetration by 2025. TNB is reportedly planning an annual investment of RM9 billion on the smart grid over the next four years.