The New Nation - Internet Edition

Mahbubur Rahman Khan

Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) is going to add 250 MW of electricity on an average to the national grid daily to make up for the increased demand of power during the month of Ramzan.

Md Showkat Ali, Chairman of PDB told the New Nation yesterday.

Showkat Ali said, "PDB is going to add 250 MW of electricity this September to ensure continuous supply of electricity at the time of Sehri, Iftar and Tarabi prayers and to the water refineries and water pump houses to keep constant supply of water in the holy month."

When his attention was drawn to the scenario of last year when WASA reduced water purification by 3 crore litre due to low voltage, he said the water refineries and pump houses would be given more priority this time.

He said that invigilators would visit the control room regularly and manpower would also be provided with essential machinery in areas for any local disruption, so that the devotees could pray Tarabi prayers at ease without interruption.

Replying to another question he said the mosques would be given priority in the way Boro harvest was given.

Referring to the wasteful use and illegal electricity connection as one of the main reasons for power crisis Showkat Ali said if the wasteful use and illegal connections of power could be checked, the crisis would be minimised.

He advised shop owners to use CFL and fluorescent bulbs instead of mercury bulbs to minimise excess consumption of electricity. The PDB would launch a drive in the city to disconnect illegal electricity connections. The accused shop owners will be penalised.

He further informed that a high-powered meeting would take place soon regarding the distribution of area wise load shedding during Ramzan.

PDB is generating 3,300 MW of electricity against the total demand of 4,500 MW at present.

Showkat Ali said, "PDB is thinking about alternative sources of power like coal and diesel to lessen dependability on gas to generate power."

Sources said, "Now many of the PDB power units are generating less electricity because of gas shortage and some of the units have remained switched off."

Experts expressed doubt about the possibility of providing additional 250 MW of power generation within one month. In Ramzan, the use of household gas increases. Since the power plants are depended on gas, it would be difficult for PDB to generate the additional gas within this time.