Power deficit hits record 3,300MW as mercury soars

The country has marked the highest record of load-shedding in recent times with a power deficit peaking at around 3,300 megawatts, as temperatures soared to a sweltering 43 degrees Celsius in some regions.

Data from the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, the sole state-owned entity responsible for transmitting electricity nationwide, show the national power generation being at 12,753MW at 2pm today against a demand of 16,200MW, resulting in a deficiency of 3,347MW.

According to power distribution companies, the deficit has been steadily increasing due to the heatwave. Over the past few days, it has ranged between 2,500 and 2,000MW nationwide, compared to the pre-heatwave average of 500 to 1,000MW.

However, experts claim the Power Grid Company's figures underestimate the true extent of the problem.

An official at the Rural Electrification Board, on condition of anonymity, told TBS, "Demand for demand is being estimated based on assumptions. In reality, the power deficit is much higher."

"We are not receiving enough electricity compared to the demand in our distribution area. We are forced to impose load-shedding even during this hot weather, with some rural areas experiencing outages for up to 14 to 15 hours," he added.

The Rural Electrification Board is the country's largest distribution company that supplies electricity to over 80% of rural areas. They report that nationwide power outages exceeded 2,800 megawatts on Sunday.

Concern, frustration mount

Concerns have also been voiced about the accuracy of power outage data reported by the PGCB and the National Load Dispatch Center. While the country's power generation reached an all-time high of 16,233 megawatts on 22 April, industry insiders allege that official figures do not reflect the true extent of the ongoing power cuts.

Taking to social media, Dhaka resident Asaduzzaman expressed his frustration with the frequent power cuts, particularly during the sweltering heat.

"If Dhaka, the capital, is experiencing power outages 14 to 15 times a day, then imagine the plight of rural areas outside Dhaka. I have never seen such a terrible outcome of the government's 100% electrification initiative," he said.

Abu Hanif, a resident of Nangalkot upazila in Cumilla, told TBS, "The intense heat and power cuts are extremely worrying, especially for my young children and elderly parents. With rising cases of heatstroke, there seems to be no relief in sight."

The heatwave has already claimed the lives of at least 40 people in the past six days, according to a TBS analysis of media reports.

As meteorologists expect high temperatures to persist until 2 May, concerns are mounting about the well-being of citizens, particularly those in rural areas facing extended power cuts.