Energy Saving Tips To Stay Below 800 kWh Threshold

The best savings usually come from reducing how long appliances that use more electricity are used. Air conditioners, water heaters, laundry appliances, and other equipment that run for long periods are better places to start than devices that use very little electricity.

TNB recently stated that domestic customers using 800 kWh or below are exempt from AFA, the Retail Charge, and 8% SST under the applicable conditions, until December 2026.

AFA is linked to global fuel prices, foreign exchange rates, and actual generation costs. Those factors can change the cost of producing electricity even when your household habits stay the same. Staying within 800 kWh keeps eligible domestic customers protected from that AFA charge.

Quick energy-saving tips to stay at 800 kWh or below

Tip	Why it helps
Set air conditioning to around 24°C to 26°C	Avoids unnecessary cooling demand
Run air conditioners for fewer hours	Cooling can add many kWh over a month
Shorten water-heater use	Heating water requires substantial power
Switch off unused appliances	Stops unnecessary operating time
Use fans where practical	Fans generally use much less power than air conditioning
Keep refrigerators working efficiently	Refrigerators operate all day
Use LED lighting	Efficient lighting uses less electricity
Check your kWh regularly	Helps you adjust before reaching 800 kWh
Use TNB's Home Energy Calculator	Helps estimate household appliance consumption

TNB's Home Energy Calculator can estimate household electricity consumption over a 30-day period and help you understand how individual appliances contribute to usage.

How do I calculate how much electricity an appliance uses?

A simple formula is:

Electricity used (kWh) = appliance power (kW) × hours used

For example, a 1.5 kW appliance running for 4 hours uses:

1.5 kW × 4 hours = 6 kWh

TNB also explains appliance electricity use based on factors such as its power rating, efficiency and how long it is used. The applicable electricity rate can then be used to estimate the cost.

This means both how much power an appliance uses and how long it runs matter. An appliance with moderate power consumption that runs for many hours can sometimes use more electricity overall than a higher-powered appliance used only briefly.

How can I save electricity on air conditioning?

Reduce unnecessary cooling time first.

TNB recommends air-conditioner settings between 24°C and 26°C as part of its household energy-saving guidance. You can also close doors and windows, avoid cooling empty rooms, use timers, and keep filters clean. Cutting one or two unnecessary hours of cooling every day can reduce monthly kWh more than focusing only on small standby loads.

How can I save electricity on water heating?

Reduce how long the heater operates.

Shorter use means fewer kWh. For instant water heaters, shorter showers can reduce operating time. For storage heaters, avoid keeping water hot for long periods when nobody needs it.

How can I reduce refrigerator electricity use?

Keep your refrigerator running efficiently because it operates 24 hours a day.

Avoid leaving the door open for long periods, make sure the door seal closes properly, and leave enough ventilation around the appliance. A refrigerator that has to work harder will generally consume more electricity.

Do fans use less electricity than air conditioners?

Fans generally use much less electricity than air conditioners.

Fans do not lower room temperature in the same way, but moving air can help people feel cooler. Using a fan where practical can reduce the number of hours you need air conditioning.

Does hot weather make it harder to stay at 800 kWh or below?

Yes. Hot weather can push up electricity use when cooling appliances run for longer.

If your household usually sits close to 800 kWh, check your usage more often during hot periods. Use curtains or blinds to reduce heat, avoid cooling empty rooms, and keep air-conditioner settings reasonable.

How can I tell if I am close to 800 kWh?

Track your total kWh during the month instead of waiting for the bill.

For a 30-day month:

• 10 days: about 266 kWh
• 15 days: about 400 kWh
• 20 days: about 533 kWh
• 25 days: about 666 kWh
• 30 days: 800 kWh

These are simple pacing figures, not daily limits.

Does Time of Use reduce my kWh?

No. Time of Use, or ToU, changes when you use electricity, while energy-saving measures reduce how many kWh you use.

Under ToU, customers can pay different electricity rates depending on whether consumption happens during peak or off-peak periods. Moving the same appliance used to an off-peak period may lower its cost, but it does not automatically reduce the number of kWh consumed.

If your goal is specifically to stay at 800 kWh or below, you need to reduce total consumption, not only shift it to another time of day.

What should I reduce first if I am close to 800 kWh?

Start with appliances that run for long periods or use substantial power.

Check cooling, water heating, refrigeration, and other long-running equipment first. The principle is simple: reducing one hour from a high-use appliance can matter more than chasing tiny savings from several low-use devices.

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FAQ

What is the fastest way to reduce household electricity use?

Reduce unnecessary operating time for high-use appliances, especially cooling and water heating.

Does setting the air conditioner to 24°C save electricity?

TNB recommends a setting between 24°C and 26°C as part of its household energy-saving guidance.

Does shifting electricity use to off-peak hours reduce kWh?

No. Shifting usage under ToU may change what you pay for that electricity, but the same appliance still consumes the same amount of energy if its power and operating time stay unchanged.

Why does staying at 800 kWh or below matter?

TNB states that domestic customers who use 800 kWh or below continue to receive exemptions from AFA, the Retail Charge, and 8% SST under the applicable conditions, up until December 2026.

Is there a TNB calculator for household electricity use?

Yes. TNB's Home Energy Calculator estimates household consumption and allows users to explore appliance electricity use.

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Last updated: 9 October 2026

This article is sponsored by Tenaga Nasional Berhad.