Eighty percent people getting electricity: report

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DHAKA, March 05, 2018 (BSS) – Eighty-percent percent people have been brought under electricity coverage across the country till March, 2017 and 20 people have remained out of electricity coverage during the same period, according to a report released here today.

Practical Action Bangladesh, an international organization, organized the launching ceremony of “Launching the poor people’s energy outlook-2017” highlighting the scenario of power sector.

Prime Minister’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources advisor Dr Toufiq Elahi addressed the function as the chief guest.

Country Director of Practical Action Bangladesh Hasin Jahan, officials from different organization concerned, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Toufiq said the government is working to ensure electricity facility for all aiming to boost economic progress in the country.

There are close linkage between electricity coverage and poverty alleviation, he said and urged the young generation to intensify their efforts for inventing alternative energy to meet increasing demand for electricity.

“We are planning to build public and private partnership to reach electricity connection to the poor people, which will eventually help remove poverty,” he added.

The advisor said “The government is working to set up small-size power plants as well as to expand solar power to bring all people under electricity coverage”.

The report said power production has increased to 15.3 gigawatt in 2017 from 13.5 gigawatt in 2015.

Nearly 72 households are out of electricity coverage, it said adding it is possible to add 24 lakh households to the national grid. Remaining 48 lakh households could be added to locally generated power system, the report added.