ZCZC
BSS-18
POWER-HEAT-RELIEF
Power generation witnesses a record 12,412MW
DHAKA, May 11, 2019 (BSS) – Power generation witnesses a record high as
much as 12,412MW gave people relief from the heat wave that is sweeping over
parts of Bangladesh after rains triggered by cyclone ‘Fani’.
As there is no shortage in power generation, the Power Development Board
(PDB) has streamlined the power distribution system to bring down the power
cuts to almost zero level across the country, said PDB sources.
“We are very capable to meet the present demand of electricity . . . we
are producing the highest as per our installment capacity during daily peak-
hour to meet the demand of power users,” said State Minister for Power,
Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid.
Power supply will become more stable within a few months as some under
construction plants will start power generation, Hamid said, adding the
present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has set a target to supply
electricity to every house by 2021 through increasing the generation capacity
to 24,000MW.
“Affordable, uninterrupted and reliable power supply is our main target
. . . we are working relentlessly to fulfill this target and setting of
modern equipment to ensure uninterrupted power to all,” he added.
According to Met office, mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over
Khulna division and the regions of Faridpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Rajshahi,
Pabna and Naogaon and it may continue.
Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country, said Met
office.
According to the PDB, the maximum power generation on April 29 was
12,200 MW, on April 25 it was 12,067 MW and power generation on April 24 was
12,057 MW.
Hamid said the Awami League government has formulated a master plan
aiming to increase the power generation to 60,000MW by 2041.
As per the government’s plan, 53 power plants with a total generation
capacity of 13,266 MW will go into operation from 2020 to 2026.
The government has expanded transmission and distribution lines to
ensure uninterrupted supply of power across the country. At presently 93
percent people of the country have access to electricity.
BSS/SPL/SAS/RY/1658 hrs