No load-shedding for a week as power supply meets demand

The country experienced no load-shedding for a week as electricity generation consistently matched demand, according to official data covering the period from April 27 to May 3.

Favourable weather conditions, including rain and heavy rainfall in the northern and northeastern regions as well as across most parts of the country, contributed to a decline in electricity demand, leading to a zero load-shedding situation, according to a BSS report Tuesday.

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Md Rezaul Karim said that power supply is now being maintained in line with demand compared to earlier periods.

“Some small power plants faced issues, causing a shortfall in production. However, the issues were resolved. We are now able to supply electricity as required and are trying to maintain zero load-shedding in the coming days as per plan,” he said.

He added, “Our main focus is to ensure coal supply to maintain uninterrupted generation. Oil and gas resources are limited, so they need to be managed carefully. At present, coal-based plants are providing the required output. One unit of the RNPL in Patuakhali has already come into commercial operation, while another will be added soon.”

According to Power Grid Bangladesh PLC (PGCB) data, electricity demand during the evening peak hour on April 27 was 12,793 megawatts, which was fully met with an equal amount of supply, resulting in no load-shedding.

Similarly, on April 28, 29 and 30, demand stood at 11,475 MW, 11,036 MW and 12,614 MW, respectively, and the full demand was met on each of those days, keeping the situation load-shedding-free.

At the beginning of May, the country also did not face any load-shedding. On May 1, 2 and 3, demand was recorded at 10,462 MW, 11,092 MW and 12,745 MW, respectively, with corresponding supply fully meeting the demand.

Relevant sources said several government measures to promote energy conservation also played a role. These included restricting unnecessary illumination, ensuring efficient electricity use, and setting air conditioners at 25 degrees Celsius or above.

At the same time, initiatives to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), heavy fuel oil (HFO) and coal helped keep power plants operational. Continued electricity imports from Adani Power in Godda, Jharkhand, India, and the addition of the coal-based RNPL plant to the grid also contributed to the improved situation.

Talking to several consumers in the capital, this correspondent found that no load-shedding was experienced in Dhaka over the past week, even during daytime or evening hours. Where outages previously occurred multiple times a day, they are now virtually absent, bringing a positive impact on household activities and business operations.

Responding to a query about occasional local outages despite no national load-shedding, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) Director (Technical) Paritosh Sutrodhar said that such disruptions are often due to maintenance work or technical reasons.

“Tree trimming, line maintenance, or incidents such as bamboo falling on lines or sparking can cause temporary disruptions at the local level. These are not considered load-shedding,” he said.