Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today expressed optimism that there would be no power outages during the month of Ramadan. “A plan was taken to keep the country free from load shedding during the Ramadan. But some areas of the country might experience load shedding during the summer,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks while addressing an inter-ministerial meeting on power and energy supply during the upcoming Ramadan and irrigation season at Bidyut Bhaban. He acknowledged that load shedding occurs due to various reasons but emphasized that instructions have been issued to avoid load shedding except for technical reasons.
Fouzul Kabir highlighted that the electricity demand during the summer and irrigation season has been estimated at 18,000 MW, with 6,000 MW required for cooling (AC) systems. He stated that around 900 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas is currently being supplied for electricity generation, which will increase to 1200 mmcfd during Ramadan to produce additional electricity.
The adviser further mentioned that the gas supply will be 1100 mmcfd from April to September (Summer Season). During Ramadan, the electricity demand will be 15,000 MW, but preparations have been made for an uninterrupted power supply. He noted that maintaining AC temperatures at 25 or 26 degrees Celsius could reduce demand by 2,000 to 3,000 MW, eliminating the need for load shedding.
Fouzul Kabir reiterated that load shedding primarily happens due to shortages in primary energy supply and technical issues. Meetings with concerned departments have been held to ensure the availability of funds, and there is assurance for procuring necessary fuels for power generation during Ramadan.