No load-shedding, early closure of shops this Ramadan: Adviser Fouzul
He said no reduction in electricity supply will occur for irrigation purposes
Electricity will be supplied nationwide as per demand, with no scheduled market or shop closures during the upcoming Ramadan, Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said today (5 February).
Following a meeting at the Bidyut Bhaban, the adviser said, "Ramadan's electricity demand is expected to reach 15,700 megawatts, and no load shedding is anticipated due to a planned balance between supply and demand."
He further said to support additional electricity generation, gas supply will be increased to 1,200 million cubic feet, up from the current 900 million cubic feet.
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Mentioning that there will be no mandatory closures for markets like last year, the adviser said closures could be considered if electricity consumption in markets threatens to cause load shedding or disrupt irrigation.
However, he said, "Load shedding is likely to resume after Ramadan, starting in April."
Fouzul stated that electricity demand during summer is estimated to reach 18,000MW, with a gas supply of 1,100 million cubic feet from April to September, which could result in load shedding ranging from 700MW to 1,400MW.
He emphasised that no reduction in electricity supply will occur for irrigation purposes.
Mentioning that air conditioners contribute an extra 6,000MW of demand during the summer, he said, "Setting ACs to 25 degrees Celsius in mosques, markets, and offices could save 2,000MW to 3,000MW of electricity."
