Photo : Collected
The Edison Group continues to maintain its reputation in electronics, power, mobile, communication, and many other businesses. Symphony Mobile is at the top of the country, and Edison Power is working to be among the top five in the power distribution sector in the next 3 to 4 years. Anjan Chandra Dev, Staff Reporter for The Daily Messenger, speaks to Jakaria Shahid, Managing Director, Edison Group. He spoke in detail about Edison Power's current position and future plans in the interview.
The Daily Messenger: Edison Power's journey started in 2008; how has the experience been in this 15-year journey?
Jakaria Shahid: Established in 2008, Edison Power embarked on its journey alongside Symphony Mobile, contributing to the energy sector amidst the confusion surrounding the different facets of power. Often overlooked, there are three primary categories defining the power domain: power generation, transmission, and distribution. Specializing in power distribution, Edison Power has been at the forefront of this sector for the past 15 years. The current government has done a lot of work in the development of electricity infrastructure, and as a result, there has been a lot of growth in distribution. Earlier, it used to be input; now we have made our own factory from where we are getting generators and transmissions.
Messenger: How has the demand for generators increased since 2008?
Jakaria: No matter how much we talk about power stability, we still have to have generators everywhere. Generators are mandatory in every home, office, and commercial space for safety. Earlier, we did big projects of 2.5- and 3-megawatt-rated generators; now we are going to focus on the residential side. I think generator growth is 100%.
Messenger: How are you facing the challenges in the current bad times of the country's economy?
Jakaria: The economic challenge is not only ours; it is also now a global challenge. Power generators have to input raw materials. If you want to input, you have to pay in dollars. Currently, the price in dollars has increased a lot. The challenge is everyone's, and I think it will be solved soon.
Messenger: What about Edison Power having substations?
Jakaria: A substation is an important part of the power system. Substations are of immense importance in the transmission and distribution of electric power. Alternating current (AC) electrical power is produced and distributed in the present era. The power generating station is located away from the load end for various conveniences in electrical power generation. A substation is a power distribution station consisting of various devices for supplying the required voltage to different locations. We are doing very well with the Edison generator as well as the substation system.
Messenger: What are your future plans for Edison Power?
Jakaria: You know how well the people of Bangladesh have accepted Edison's mobile company, Symphony. And after a few days, we are going to reach the milestone of selling 13 crore mobiles. Likewise, we are strengthening Edison Power's pipeline. We have prepared a business plan to provide all services in the power distribution sector. Our product quality and service feedback are very good. If we proceed in this way, we will be among the top five in the power distribution sector in the next 3 to 4 years. We are moving towards that goal.
Messenger: How do you plan to increase your business in the generator sector?
Jakaria: We were thinking of doing manufacturing and assembly in the country to increase the generator business. Generator engines are manufactured by some of the most famous companies in the world. We are not very well positioned in terms of value addition. But we are manufacturing world-class ETS switches in Bangladesh. Besides, we are working on whether small category generators can be assembled; generator business will increase if we get the policy benefits.
Messenger: Are you facing problems opening LC now?
Jakaria: The opening of LCs is now a big challenge, hindering business. I hope it gets resolved soon.
Messenger: What kind of industries mostly use generators?
Jakaria: In big industries, there is no chance of a power outage, even for a few seconds; if the power goes out, they suffer huge losses. So we are targeting industry as well as commercial spaces. That's where we have the most generators.
Messenger: How much has the cost increased in the last 10 years?
Jakaria: The cost has increased 100 percent in 10 years. Business growth has not kept pace with it. But I try to balance it through efficiency.
Messenger: All the best to Edison Group.
Jakaria: Thank you, best wishes to you too, and all the best to The Daily Messenger.
Messenger/Fameema
