Selangor has undergone significant economic and infrastructural transformation over the past 55 years, emerging as a key contributor to Malaysia’s growth. As of 2025, the state’s economy accounted for 26.5% of the national GDP, valued at RM460.1 billion, supported by a diverse range of industries including manufacturing, advanced technologies, logistics, and an expanding digital economy.
Central to this development is the role of electricity infrastructure, spearheaded by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). The company’s history parallels Malaysia’s electrical sector evolution, originating as the Central Electricity Board (CEB) in 1949, transitioning to the National Electricity Board (Lembaga Letrik Negara) in 1965, and adopting the TNB name in 1990. Throughout these changes, TNB has been instrumental in building and maintaining the electrical networks that power Selangor’s urban centers, industries, and residential areas.
Early developments such as the Connaught Bridge Power Station and the Cameron Highlands Hydroelectric Project laid the groundwork for Selangor’s National Grid. By 1963, Connaught Bridge hosted a Grid Control Centre coordinating Malaysia’s 66kV and 132kV networks. Today, Selangor’s electricity grid has expanded substantially to meet increasing demand, featuring 2,547 kilometers of transmission lines, 64 transmission substations, over 24,000 distribution substations, and extensive overhead and underground networks.
Serving more than 2.3 million customers in Selangor as of August 2026, TNB’s portfolio includes residential, commercial, industrial, and other sectors such as agriculture and mining. The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Power Station in Kapar remains a notable energy landmark with ongoing monitoring of migratory waterbird populations in its ash ponds, reflecting efforts to balance energy production with environmental conservation.
Looking ahead, TNB plans to commission a 2,100MW combined-cycle power plant in Kapar by 2031, aligning with broader energy transition goals. The company is also adapting to rising electricity consumption driven by the state’s digital economy, particularly data centers. As of mid-2026, TNB had committed to supplying approximately 1,005MW to five data-centre projects in Selangor, supported by initiatives such as the Green Lane Pathway to streamline grid connections and accelerate project timelines.
TNB is promoting renewable energy adoption through rooftop solar installations, Renewable Energy Certificates, and green electricity tariffs, supporting both corporate and residential customers. Additionally, smart grid technologies have been integrated extensively across Selangor, with over 2.1 million smart meters installed, covering about 93% of customers, and more than 9,000 substations equipped with automation features to enhance real-time monitoring and control.
Community and environmental programs also form part of TNB’s approach. For instance, its Firefly Habitat Conservation and Community Empowerment project in Kampung Kuantan focuses on eco-tourism, waste management, tree planting, and supporting local livelihoods, while ongoing conservation efforts protect migratory bird species in Kapar.
As Selangor positions itself for future growth in areas like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and smart cities, the state’s electricity system continues to evolve to meet these demands. TNB remains committed to providing reliable, secure, and sustainable energy solutions that support Selangor’s economic expansion and environmental stewardship, fostering progress for businesses, communities, and future generations.
