Whoever has the need to use the house eventually have to bear the cost of reconnection. Legally the fee is owed by previous owner/tenant, but TNB cut the power just the same and won't reconnect until the debt is settled. So the new owner cannot wait forever so eventually is forced to pay.

If someone knows a trick that can convince TNB to reconnect the meter without clearing the past debt due to debt not owed by new owner, please share here. Asking for a friend.

From past experiences, TNB will not cut the meter even when the debt exceed deposit. Why TNB is willing to do that, don't know. But that is what happens out there and that's why you keep seeing TNB debts in thousands or tens of thousands.

Owner not legally liable for the bill. But won't get TNB service since meter already cut and won't get reconnected until bill settled. So can live in the house without legal obligations to TNB if one install solar and just run on solar and genset. But not many can do that lah.

Got a friend last time won lelong house and later found out bill shock of unpaid TNB bill which he was forced to bear. Coupled with other issues, he gave up on the house and prior payment all forfeited. So it will be nice to know how to convince TNB change owner means no longer need to pay the past bill if wanna reconnect the meter.