KUCHING: The federal government is prepared to revive old power stations to ensure a stable energy supply in Klang Valley following the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion on Apr 1.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this measure would be considered next week if necessary.
“Based on reports so far, we can ensure a stable energy supply for this critical week.
“However, for next week, we will explore alternative measures. If gas cannot be delivered to the affected power generators, Petronas will find a way to supply it.
“Another option is to restart older power generators to maintain supply in the Klang Valley,” he said when met reporters during his Hari Raya open house at the CIDB Convention Centre today (Apr 2).
Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP, said the government is closely monitoring the situation and while some power plants require gas to operate, the overall energy supply remains stable.
“When there is a leakage, gas flow to certain sections of the pipeline is cut off, which may impact power supply,” he said.
Aside from that, he pointed out that electricity cables were not affected so far, but an integrity audit was being carried out to monitor the situation.
“If the cables were damaged, the electricity supply would definitely be cut off. Currently, there is no such issue,” he said.
The fire, which broke out at 8.10am, was triggered by a leak in a Petronas gas pipeline, with flames reportedly stretching up to 500 metres and visible from several kilometres away.
The explosion wreaked havoc on the neighbourhood, severely damaging nearly 200 homes. A total of 364 victims from 74 families were affected by the fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, which saw flames reaching over 100 feet high and temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
