Some rural areas experiencing load shedding amid intense heat: State minister
The government is working towards increasing the electricity production capacity to 39,324 MW by 2030 and 74,253 MW by 2041, he said
Some rural areas are experiencing load shedding on a limited scale due to the soaring electricity demand caused by the intense heat, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said on Thursday (20 June).
"The intense heat across the country has led to increased electricity usage, causing a shortfall in some rural areas, resulting in load shedding on a limited scale," the state minister said in parliament in response to a written question from lawmaker Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury during the budget session with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
"The government is committed to equitable electricity supply across both urban and rural areas, with priority given to rural areas during the irrigation season.
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"According to regulations, illegal electricity connections and overdue payments result in disconnection of lines. If specific complaints of excessive billing are received, they are verified and remedial action is taken, including administrative measures," he added.
In response to another question, the state minister said in the last 15 years, the power sector has witnessed tremendous progress. After assuming office in 2009, the current government made immediate-, short-, medium- and long-term plans for the development of the power sector and implemented them through close supervision.
"From January 2009 to the present, 25,796 MW of electricity has been added to the national grid. As a result, the installed capacity of electricity, including captive and renewable energy, has increased to 30,738 MW. On 30 April 2024, the highest electricity production was 16,477 MW.
"However, following Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war and the global energy crisis have hindered full-capacity electricity production. This has led to temporary difficulties in ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply in some areas despite having the production capacity."
He further said, "Considering future demand, the government is working towards increasing the electricity production capacity to 39,324 MW by 2030 and 74,253 MW by 2041.
