Photo: Collected
The government failed to supply the adequate amount of power against the highest demand due to the fuel crisis even on a rainy day on Sunday, though there is more than 50 per cent surplus capacity.
Data shows power generation was 11,427MW on Sunday, which saw heavy morning rains under the influence of monsoon, against the demand of 13,400MW, resulting in load-shedding of 1,973MW.
According to Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, load-shedding increased in the country due to rising demand amid prolonged heatwaves. The government had earlier committed to supplying the required amount of electricity across the country by 2020. Unfortunately, in spite of having huge installed generation capacity, the government failed to ensure a comfortable summer this year by supplying the required electricity.
Experts have blamed the government’s import dependency in the power sector. They think as the government is facing a fund crisis, it cannot import sufficient amounts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal. Thus, despite having adequate capacity, the Energy Division failed to supply the required power against demand.
Moreover, due to import bill payment complications, Adani has stopped the supply of power and Summit Power has stopped LNG supply to the national grid in the name of maintenance.
Prof Shamsul Alam, a prominent energy expert, told The Daily Messenger, “Currently, the government is facing a fund crisis as it has to pay the outstanding bills. So, it cannot import sufficient amounts of fuel for power generation. As a result, the country is experiencing load-shedding despite having installed generation capacity.”
State Minister for Power Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told the Daily Messenger, “Of course, it is very challenging to ensure a smooth supply of electricity as per demand. Besides, demand has risen due to the intense heat. We are supplying power rationally. Chattogram is witnessing load-shedding frequently. The situation will improve by July if it rains.”
Due to the intense heat, irrigation costs increased by 20 per cent as farmers have to water their fields more than the normal times.
Senior Secretary of the Power Division Md Habibur Rahman emphasised the supply of gas, furnace oil, and diesel needs to be increased to increase power generation in summer.
Besides, dyeing and spinning production has declined by 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively due to frequent power supply interruptions.
Vice President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Fazlee Shamim Ehsan told The Daily Messenger, “Due to the intense heat, the productivity of workers has declined by 30 per cent. Moreover, due to the scarcity of gas, yarn production has decreased by 40 per cent.”
Messenger/Disha
