Photo: Collected
No organisations, institutions or individuals will be allowed to operate air conditioners at lower than 25 degrees Celsius (°C) in the upcoming summer, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said today (17 February). The ban will be imposed in a bid to conserve energy during the hottest season of the year when power demands peak at its highest level.
This looming ban aims to alleviate the anticipated surge in power demand, which is expected to rise from 9,000 megawatts in winter to between 17,000 and 18,000 megawatts in summer, Adviser Fouzul announced during a press briefing following a session with the district commissioners.
He emphasised that non-compliance could result in the disconnection of electricity services and legal action against the offending entities or individuals. To ensure widespread adherence, the Power Division will issue formal letters to various sectors. The Commerce Adviser will inform private businesses of the new regulation, while the Religious Adviser will request mosque imams to maintain the air conditioner regulation.
Additionally, the Cabinet Division Secretary will direct all government offices, including the Secretariat, to implement this policy. Khan highlighted that air conditioning units account for approximately 6,000 megawatts of electricity usage during the summer. He noted that even in temperatures as low as 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, people often use ACs while wrapped up in sweaters.
"Monitoring teams will be formed within the electricity supply and distribution companies. These teams will identify areas with excessive power consumption and may implement load shedding as a corrective measure," the adviser said. He also said the central bank will issue a directive for banks in this regard.
Messenger/JRTarek
