Go For Five-Star Energy Savers And Get Rebates

IF you intend to buy an air-conditioner, you can save RM100 by opting for a five-star rated model that is endorsed by the Energy Commission. If you are in the market for a refrigerator, you can save RM200 by choosing a five-star rated one.

As usual, conditions apply. The air-conditioner cannot have a rated power of more than 2.5 horsepower, while the refrigerator cannot have a nett capacity exceeding 400 litres. Also, the refrigerator rebate is only for those who consume at least 200kWh (kilowatt hours) but not more than 400kWh a month (figure to be derived from the average over a six-month period from December 2010 to May 2011).

“The rationale for selecting consumers who use between 200kWh and 400kWh as well as the capacity cap at 400 litres for refrigerators is that we are looking to target the lower middle income group. This group, with typical electricity bills of between RM43.60 to RM117 per month, is expected to choose a refrigerator with a capacity of up to 400 litres. As for the upper middle income group, they can afford to purchase refrigerators of a higher capacity,’’ said Zaini Abdul Wahab, head of the Entry Point Project 9 (Energy Efficiency) at the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (or KeTTHA).

According to Zaini, those who are using between 93kWh and 199kWh per month (typically paying between RM20 and RM43.60), are considered to be in the lower income group and hence, are deemed to have “insufficient” purchasing power, and are unlikely to decide in a short period of time to purchase a five-star rated refrigerator. Meanwhile those using less than 92kWh are already enjoying free electricity.

To be eligible, the consumer must have a registered account with Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Syarikat Sesco Bhd (formerly known as the Sarawak Electricity Corporation) or Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd.

Companies looking to replace old chillers aged 15 years or more can also apply for the rebate amounting to RM200 per refrigeration ton, provided the chillers are used for comfort cooling in commercial buildings.

(The cooling capacity of commercial chillers are measured in refrigeration ton.)

To date, 12,847 consumers have purchased these five-star rated refrigerators and air-conditioners, and gotten rebates. There are currently 12 brands participating in the rebate programme (Panasonic, Samsung, Electrolux, Hitachi, Toshiba, Sharp, York, LG, Mitsubishi, Haier, Acson and Fujitsu) and the RM50mil budget should be enough to fund rebates for 100,000 refrigerators, 65,000 air-conditioners, and 72,000 refrigeration tons of cooling capacity for industrial chillers. The next roadshow on the rebate scheme for the public will be held at the Bintang Mega Mall, Miri, Sarawak this weekend (Sept 24 to 25).

For more information, go to saveenergy.gov.my.

-TheStar-