Joypurhat REB writes to DC-SP for security at 10 substations

People in Joypurhat are suffering from severe load shedding as less than half of the electricity demand is being met. On average, power remains unavailable for 10 to 11 hours per day. The prolonged load shedding amid intense heat has caused extreme anger among consumers. To avoid any untoward incidents and ensure the security of the Rural Electrification Board's substations, the board's General Manager Abu Umam Md Mahbubul Haq has written to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police.

Earlier, a meter reader of the Rural Electrification Board was beaten in Srimantapur, Panchbibi, following consumer anger over load shedding. The board is preparing to file a case over the incident.

Sources said the letter requested enhanced security for 10 substations across five upazilas of the district.

According to the Rural Electrification Board headquarters, the daily electricity demand in the district is approximately 72 MW, but only 26 to 28 MW is being supplied. This huge deficit has forced prolonged load shedding.

Regarding the overall situation, Joypurhat Rural Electrification Board General Manager Abu Umam Md Mahbubul Haq told journalists that administrative cooperation has been sought in the interest of the security of field-level officials and employees. Without an increase in national electricity supply, a swift resolution to this crisis is difficult.