Photo: Messenger
During the prolonged heatwaves, the country's incidence of load shedding is escalating, yet the government has failed to supply an adequate amount of power to meet the highest demand due to a fuel crisis, despite there being more than 50 percent surplus capacity. Surprisingly, the government has raised the price of gas used in power plants, including captive plants.
According to the latest gazette published on Monday, the price of gas used in power generation has increased by Tk 0.75 per unit, with the new price fixed at Tk 15.50 paisa per unit for public and private sector power plants (IPP and rental). The new price for captive gas (electricity produced within industries) is Tk 31.50.
According to Power Grid Company LTD, load shedding in the country is increasing amidst rising demand caused by record heat. Data shows that on April 30, the country's generation was recorded at 14,301 MW against a demand of 16,100 MW, while on April 29, generation was 13,015 MW against a demand of 16,200 MW, resulting in load shedding of 3,042 MW. On April 28, generation was 13,375 MW against a demand of 15,850 MW, with load shedding at 2,366 MW.
The government is committed to supplying adequate electricity across the country by 2020; unfortunately, despite having a huge installed generation capacity, the government has failed to ensure a comfortable summer.
Experts blame the government's import-dependent plan. They believe that due to the government's financial crisis, it cannot import sufficient amounts of LNG and coal. Consequently, despite having a significant generation capacity, the energy division has failed to meet the demand for power supply.
Professor Shamsul Alam, a prominent energy expert, told the Daily Messenger, “Currently, the government is facing a financial crisis as it has outstanding bills to pay. Therefore, it cannot import sufficient fuels for power generation. As a result, despite having generation installations, the country is experiencing load shedding.”
State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told The Daily Messenger, “It is indeed very challenging to ensure a smooth supply of electricity according to demand, especially during intense heat when demand rises. However, we are supplying power rationally. Chattogram is experiencing frequent load shedding, but the situation will improve next month with the arrival of rains.”
However, due to intense heat, irrigation costs have also increased by 20 percent as farmers need to water their fields for longer periods than usual. According to projections for April 2024, electricity needed for irrigation will be 2,590 MW, and for May 2024, it will also be 2,590 MW.
Senior Secretary of the Power Division, Md Habibur Rahman, emphasised the need to increase the supply of gas, furnace oil, and diesel to boost power generation during the summer season.
Additionally, dying and spinning production have declined by 50 percent and 25 percent, respectively, due to frequent interruptions in power supply.
Vice President of BKMEA, Fazle Ehsan Shamim, told The Daily Messenger, “Due to intense heat at night, worker productivity has declined by 30 percent.” He added that due to a scarcity of gas, yarn production has decreased by 40 percent.
Messenger/Disha
