Despite Bangladesh reaching record highs in electricity generation, hundreds of thousands in rural areas are experiencing lengthy power outages. This comes as scorching temperatures grip the country.
The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) reports its subscribers, concentrated in regions like Mymensingh and Rangpur, are suffering the most. These areas lack major power plants and rely on REB for distribution.
While the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) achieved a peak generation of 16,233 megawatts (MW) on April 22nd, a significant portion of the population saw little benefit. Homes in Mymensingh, for example, faced multiple outages throughout the night, hindering daily routines and businesses like fish farming.
Officials explain the situation by pointing to a surge in power consumption following the Eid holidays. As factories and businesses reopened, demand outpaced distribution capabilities, especially in rural areas.
Data reveals a gap of 1,000 MW on the night of record generation, with REB taking the brunt of the load shedding. This is because REB subscribers make up over half of the country’s electricity users.
Mymensingh and surrounding districts faced a shortfall of 400 MW on that day, receiving only 1,100 MW against a demand of 1,500 MW. The situation persists, with yesterday seeing a 1,500 MW shortage and REB receiving 1,000 MW less than required.
Experts point to the lack of major power plants in these regions as a key factor. The Mymensingh gas-fired plant, for instance, is operating well below capacity due to insufficient gas pressure. Additionally, alternative liquid fuel plants aren’t designed for continuous operation.
The consequences are dire. Farmers, like Abdul Halim in Lalmonirhat, are unable to irrigate their crops during this critical period. This lack of water, coupled with the scorching heat, threatens agricultural yields.
Bangladesh boasts a total generation capacity of around 26,000 MW, supplemented by nearly 3,000 MW imported from India. Despite this, limitations in gas and liquid fuel supplies, along with technical issues, prevent consistent distribution, particularly in rural areas.
While efforts are underway to address the situation, a sustainable solution seems necessary to bridge the gap between generation and equitable distribution, especially as weather conditions worsen