PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has appealed for understanding in its decision to carry out maintenance works at the Bukit Badong substation which will result in water cuts at certain parts of the Klang Valley from Monday to Christmas eve.

Its senior general manager (corporate affairs and communications) Datuk Ir Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Amin said maintenance works at the substation were being carried out in the interest of consumers, adding that further delays could affect the electricity supply in the long run.

“The current situation regarding the equipment at the substation is critical and any delay could affect the supply of electricity in the long run.

“A physical examination, including thermal scanning on Dec 15, found two hotspots that require immediate action to prevent major damage to the substation equipment

“If the work is postponed again, flashovers could occur anytime and subsequent overhaul works would take up to three weeks,” Aminuddin said in a statement, Sunday.

He said the ‘stop task’ order scheduled for Monday was to ensure that the work at the substation - including preventive maintenance and installation of arc prevention system - could be carried out safely.

The Bukit Badong substation supplies electricity to the Sungai Selangor water treatment plants, which would need to cease operations throughout the duration of the work, scheduled between Dec 19 and 24.

The water supply interruption had left residents and businesses in the Klang Valley fuming, with many annoyed at the timing of the cut, which was very close to Christmas.

However, Aminuddin reiterated that the date of the maintenance work had been agreed with representatives from the water sector since September.

“The work was originally scheduled to be conducted on Sept 27. But the water sector authorities had requested for a delay.

“We will ensure the work is carried out according to plan and based on contingencies that are agreed to by all parties involved," he added.