Energy conservation key to end load-shedding: Minister

State Minister for Power
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has outlined a series of energy-saving measures – including
limiting excessive lighting, switching off appliances after use, maintaining
air conditioner temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius or above, and restricting
high-energy equipment during peak hours – as part of the government's plan to
curb load-shedding.
Responding to a question
from Dhaka-18 Member SM Jahangir Hossain at the seventh sitting of the 13th
Jatiya Sangsad today (2 April), he said there is currently no overall
shortfall in electricity generation in line with demand.
During peak summer
periods, however, power supply may be disrupted due to shortages of primary
fuel, limitations in transmission and distribution infrastructure, maintenance
work, as well as storms and rainfall, he said.
He noted that with
electricity demand steadily rising, the Power Division has undertaken a series
of initiatives to meet growing consumption and reduce load-shedding.
Key among these is the
formulation and implementation of short-, medium- and long-term plans for power
generation, alongside the construction and upgrading of transmission and
distribution infrastructure in line with generation capacity.
The government is also
prioritising fuel diversification and placing increased emphasis on renewable
energy-based power generation, the minister said.
Alongside supply-side
measures, the government is placing strong emphasis on demand-side management
to promote energy conservation.
To strengthen energy efficiency, the Power Division has undertaken energy audit
programmes at designated consumer facilities. In the first phase, audits are
underway at 74 such facilities in Mymensingh, Ghorashal and Narayanganj.
The government has also
developed a pool of 42 certified energy auditors and 178 certified energy
managers to enhance energy efficiency in industrial and commercial
establishments, with efforts ongoing to expand this capacity.
The state minister further
said integrated guidelines have been formulated to ensure efficient use of
electricity and energy in government office buildings.
To raise public
awareness, the government has carried out extensive campaigns, including
leaflet distribution, television broadcasts and the placement of stickers at
key locations, he added.
Awareness initiatives
have also been widely promoted through newspapers. Two television commercials
have also been aired to promote these practices.
Awareness campaigns have
been conducted in mosques, households, shops and government offices, urging
people to maintain air conditioner temperatures at or above 25 degrees Celsius.
Monthly public hearings are also being used to promote the avoidance of
high-energy appliances – such as water pumps, ovens, heaters, irons, washing
machines and welding equipment – during peak hours.
Regular vigilance drives
are being conducted to discourage excessive lighting in markets and shopping
centres during peak periods. Consumers are also being encouraged to refrain
from using heavy electrical equipment at such times.
Auto-charging stations
are being advised to avoid charging during peak hours, while regular night-time
drives are being carried out to curb illegal electricity use.















