4 units of Karnaphuli hydropower plant shut down

Electricity generation at the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Plant (Kaptai Hydropower Station) in Kaptai, Rangamati has been significantly reduced due to a shortage of water.

Out of the plant’s five generating units, only one unit is currently in operation, producing around 40 megawatts of electricity. The plant has a total maximum generation capacity of 240 megawatts.

Officials confirmed that four units have been shut down due to the declining water level in Kaptai Lake.

The information was confirmed by Engineer Mahmud Hasan, manager of the Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant.

According to sources, the plant’s operation has been severely affected as the water level in Kaptai Lake continues to drop. Although the normal storage level of the lake is 109 feet (MSL), the current operational level should be around 83 feet according to the rule curve. However, the present water level has fallen to approximately 77.20 feet, which is 5.4 feet below the required level.

Engineers at the plant’s control room said that in recent weeks, two units were kept operational for power generation, but due to the rapid decline in water levels, only one unit has been running since Tuesday.

They added that the situation is unlikely to improve until significant rainfall begins.

Engineer Mahmud Hasan further stated that the four units have been shut down due to insufficient water, and the crisis will continue until the monsoon season arrives.