Dhaka: Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today informed the Jatiya Sangsad that there is currently no shortage of electricity in the country as per demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister acknowledged that temporary disruptions sometimes occur during peak summer due to fuel constraints, transmission limitations, maintenance work, and adverse weather conditions. Replying to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker S. M. Jahangir Hossain (Dhaka-18) during the day’s question-answer session, the minister highlighted the comprehensive short, medium, and long-term plans the government has implemented to stop load shedding across the country.
He noted that electricity demand increases significantly during summer and at peak hours. Primary fuel shortages, transmission and distribution infrastructure limitations, maintenance activities, and storms or heavy rainfall may cause occasional power interruptions, posing challenges in fully meeting the electricity demand. The minister informed the House about the government’s 180-day action plan, formulated in line with the election manifesto, to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and meet the growing electricity demand.
He elaborated on the coordinated development of power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, emphasizing fuel diversification and renewable energy-based power generation as priorities to address primary fuel demand. To enhance energy efficiency, the Power Division has launched energy audit initiatives at designated consumer facilities. In the first phase, energy audits are ongoing at 74 designated consumer establishments in Mymensingh, Ghorashal, and Narayanganj. So far, 42 certified energy auditors and 178 certified energy managers have been developed, and the process is continuing.
The minister also discussed demand-side and supply-side management measures, including holiday staggering, adopted to ensure efficient electricity use. Integrated guidelines for efficient use of electricity and energy in government offices have been formulated, while awareness campaigns, including leaflets, TV scrolls, stickers, and newspaper advertisements, have been carried out nationwide. Iqbal said steps have been taken to avoid excessive lighting, maintain air-conditioner temperature at 25 degrees Celsius or above, and encourage consumers to reduce electricity use during peak hours.
He mentioned that awareness campaigns have been conducted in mosques, households, shops, and government offices, with vigilance teams monitoring markets and shopping malls to prevent excessive lighting during peak hours. Consumers are being encouraged to avoid using water pumps, ovens, welding machines, irons, and other high-energy equipment during peak hours, while auto-charging stations are being discouraged from operating during peak demand periods. Regular night-time drives are also being conducted to prevent illegal electricity use, he added.