No load shedding expected in Ramadan: Adviser

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Wednesday hoped that there would be a power outage during the month of Ramadan.

“A plan was taken to keep the country free from load shedding during the Ramadan. But some areas of the country might experience load shedding during the summer,” he said.

Addressing an inter-ministerial meeting on power and energy supply during the upcoming Ramadan and irrigation season at Bidyut Bhaban, he said load shedding occurs due to various reasons.

“We have given instructions to avoid load shedding except for technical reasons,” the adviser said.

He said that the electricity demand during the summer and irrigation season has been estimated at 18,000 MW, out of which 6,000 MW is required for the cooling (AC) system.

“Around 900 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) gas is now being supplied for electricity generation, which will be 1200 mmcfd during Ramadan to produce additional electricity, Fouzul Kabir said.

The adviser said that the gas supply will be 1100 mmcfd from April to September (Summer Season). During the Ramadan, the electricity demand will be 15000 MW. But we have made preparations for an uninterrupted power supply.

If we can keep the AC temperature up to 25 or 26 degrees Celsius level, the demand will be reduced by 2000 to 3000 MW. And then there will be no need for load shedding, he said.

Fouzul Kabir said that load shedding happens due to a shortage of primary energy supply and technical reasons.

Meetings with concerned departments were held to ensure sure availability of funds and got assurance to procure necessary fuels for power generation during Ramadan.