Erratic power supply
The advent of every summer is like a nightmare to us. The demand for electricity is increasing very fast. The energy requirements will increase further in future. According to a BPDB source, the demand in Bangladesh increases by 10% every year. From the same source it is learnt that in 2002-2003 the peak demand was 3600 mw. Only 20% people of our country get the facility to use electricity. Most of them use only 2 or 3 lights, 1 fan etc. Power generation in private sector is patronised by the government. The BPDB can forecast the future demand using the statistical method . Day by day, new power stations are being set up . Then why load shedding? The BPDB must have the capacity greater than the peak-hour demand.
The BPDB possesses 3420mw of generation capacity all over Bangladesh. Ashuganj(724), Ghorashal(950 ), Raozan(420 ) are the major suppliers to the national grid. Besides that, Independent Power Plants (IPP) generate 1260mw of electricity . Most of the privately owned industries have their own power plants which are dependant on the supply of gas.So a total of BPDB (3420mw)+IPP(1260mw)=4680mw of electricity can be available at the peak hour of this hot summer, if all the plants are maintained and kept in good working condition. The situation turns grim when some of the plants trip. The lives of people become miserable as they wait for the power supply to be restored.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.