With electricity bills constantly on the rise—despite a slight tariff adjustment—understanding which appliances consume the most is essential for managing household budgets.
Current Electricity Cost in Malaysia
As of July 1, 2025, Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s average base tariff stands at 45.40 sen/kWh, down marginally from 45.62 sen/kWh in 2024. While most households (under 1,000 kWh/month) may see small savings, real relief comes only with reduced energy usage.
Top 10 Electricity-Guzzling Appliances in Malaysian Homes
A study of middle-income terrace homes in Malaysia found the average monthly household energy use is about 648 kWh, broken down as follows:
| Rank | Appliance | Avg Monthly Consumption (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refrigerator | 118.8 |
| 2 | Air-conditioner (AC) | ~100 (part of “active” group) |
| 3 | Washing Machine | part of 87.8 total |
| 4 | Shower Heater | part of 87.8 total |
| 5 | Water Dispenser | ~52.5 (“cold and hot”) |
| 6 | Rice Cooker, Microwave, Toaster | within 87.8 (“active” class) |
| 7 | TV | ~0.9 (standby negligible) |
| 8 | Phone/Laptop Charging etc. | part of socket group |
| 9 | Iron | part of total active group |
| 10 | Massage Chair/Fan/Other plug-ins | part of “active” group |
Although individual “active” appliances share the 87.8 kWh/month bracket, ACs and fridges alone account for the lion’s share.
Why It Matters
With higher average bills… and tariffs hovering at 45 sen/kWh, reducing usage from these top appliances can lead to notable savings. Especially given that hot, humid weather drives up AC and fridge use—unlike temperate climates where standby items dominate more.
Fincrew’s Budget Tip
Save electricity, and smartly redirect those savings toward something that protects your financial wellbeing—like health or home insurance. At Fincrew, we help you compare policies for your peace of mind.
