A TNB meter records the electricity consumption of a house or premises. If its display is blank, physically damaged or showing an unusual condition, the customer should report the issue to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for inspection.
However, an electricity supply problem is not necessarily caused by the meter. The fault may also involve the main fuse, DB box, MCB, RCCB, electrical appliances or the internal wiring of the premises.
📲 Not sure whether the problem involves the meter or internal wiring? WhatsApp us for an initial assessment.
Signs of a Possible Faulty TNB Meter
Customers should not conclude that a meter is faulty based on only one sign. However, the following conditions may be reasons to submit a report to TNB:
- The digital meter display is blank or not illuminated.
- The display shows unusual symbols or readings.
- The meter reading does not change for a long period even though electricity is being used.
- The meter is cracked, burnt or physically damaged.
- There is an unusual sound, burning smell or condition near the meter.
- Your electricity supply is interrupted while neighbouring premises still have power.
- Your electricity bill is significantly different from your normal consumption pattern.
A higher electricity bill does not necessarily mean that the meter is faulty. Increased use of air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, dryers or other high-powered appliances can also increase electricity consumption.
Compare the current consumption with previous bills and check for changes in the number of occupants, operating hours or electrical appliances before submitting a report.
Meter Problem or Internal Wiring Problem?
The TNB meter and internal wiring are two different parts of an electrical installation. The meter records electricity consumption, while the internal wiring distributes electricity from the DB box to lights, fans, sockets and electrical appliances.
The problem may involve internal wiring if:
- Electricity is unavailable in only one room or a particular area.
- The MCB or RCCB in the DB box keeps tripping.
- The electricity trips when a particular appliance is used.
- A socket or switch feels unusually hot.
- There is a burning smell near the DB box, socket or switch.
- The lights flicker while the meter display continues to operate.
- The problem started after renovation work or the installation of additional electrical points.
In these situations, an inspection by a registered electrical contractor may be required to identify faults involving the circuit, connections, protective devices or electrical appliances inside the premises.
📲 Is the meter operating while your electricity supply remains faulty? WhatsApp us.
Do Not Open or Alter the TNB Meter
Do not open the meter cover, cut its seal, alter any connection or attempt to repair the meter yourself. Do not allow an unauthorised person to make changes to the meter.
Only authorised TNB personnel should inspect or confirm the condition of a TNB meter. Altering the meter, seal or TNB fuse can endanger users and increase the risk of electric shock, short circuits and fire.
If the meter appears damaged, take a photograph from a safe distance without touching the meter, cables, fuse or any exposed component.
How to Report a Faulty TNB Meter
A report can be submitted through TNB’s official channels. Before making a report, prepare the following information:
- Name of the TNB account holder.
- Electricity account number.
- Complete address of the premises.
- Contact telephone number.
- A brief description of the meter problem.
- The date when the problem was first noticed.
- A photograph of the meter taken from a safe distance, if required.
- Details of any supply interruption or related change in the electricity bill.
Customers can submit an enquiry or complaint through the myTNB application and portal, TNB CareLine or another official TNB feedback channel.
- Supply interruption or breakdown: Call 15454.
- Account, billing or meter enquiries: Call TNB CareLine at 1-300-88-5454.
- Online: Use the Submit Enquiries section in the myTNB application or portal.
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - In person: Visit the nearest Kedai Tenaga.
Keep the report or reference number for follow-up purposes. TNB will determine whether the meter requires inspection, testing or replacement.
If you require a new electricity connection rather than reporting a faulty meter, refer to our guide on how to apply for TNB electricity supply.
What If the Electricity Bill Suddenly Increases?
A higher electricity bill may result from increased consumption, a change in usage patterns, a faulty appliance or a meter reading that requires verification. Check your consumption history through previous bills or the myTNB application before submitting an enquiry.
Items that can be checked include:
- Air conditioners being used longer than usual.
- A water heater, water pump or refrigerator operating continuously.
- Older appliances consuming more electricity.
- An increase in the number of occupants or activities at the premises.
- A faulty electrical appliance.
- A previous bill that used an estimated reading.
If your usage pattern has not changed but the reading has increased significantly, submit an enquiry to TNB with the relevant bill information and current meter reading.
When Should You Contact an Electrical Contractor?
An electrical contractor may be required when the problem is suspected to involve the installation after the meter or the internal wiring of the premises. The inspection may cover the DB box, MCB, RCCB, cables, connections, sockets and electrical circuits.
Arrange an inspection if:
- The MCB or RCCB continues to trip after being reset.
- Only part of the house has no electricity.
- The DB box, switch or socket produces a burning smell.
- There are signs of heat, burning or discolouration.
- The lights frequently flicker or the supply is unstable.
- The problem started after the installation of new electrical equipment.
An electrical contractor must not open, alter or repair a TNB meter without authorisation. If the inspection finds that the problem involves the meter or TNB supply equipment, the customer must submit a report to TNB.
For a new electricity connection or application assistance, refer to our TNB meter application service.
For problems involving the DB box, sockets or internal wiring, refer to our electrical troubleshooting service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I contact if my TNB meter is faulty?
Contact TNB through TNB CareLine, the myTNB application, the myTNB portal or a Kedai Tenaga. TNB will determine the inspection or action required.
Can an electrical contractor repair a TNB meter?
Not without authorisation. The meter and its associated seals are controlled by TNB. Only authorised personnel may inspect, open or carry out work on the meter.
Does a high electricity bill mean that the meter is faulty?
Not necessarily. A higher bill may be caused by changes in consumption, high-powered appliances, faulty equipment or a previous estimated reading. Compare your consumption and contact TNB if there is an unusual difference.
Why is the meter operating when there is no electricity in the house?
The problem may involve the fuse, DB box, MCB, RCCB or internal wiring. If only your premises are affected, obtain guidance from TNB and arrange an inspection by a registered electrical contractor when required.
Not Sure Whether the Problem Involves the Meter or Internal Wiring?
A problem involving the meter should be reported to TNB, while faults involving the DB box, MCB, RCCB, sockets or internal circuits may require an electrical inspection.
📲 WhatsApp us for an initial assessment of your internal wiring problem.