Special measures taken for uninterrupted power supply during Eid: Power Division

The government has taken special measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the country during Eid-ul-Azha. The Power Division has kept emergency repair teams ready alongside 24-hour monitoring of power generation, transmission and distribution systems.

Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh said on Tuesday, May 26, that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Eid. Distribution companies have been given necessary instructions, and the entire matter is being directly monitored by the ministry.

Peak demand during Eid is expected to be between 12,000 and 13,000 megawatts, according to Bangladesh Power Development Board Member (Generation) Md Zahurul Islam. Sufficient generation capacity has been kept ready to meet the potential increased demand during Eid. Power plants have been instructed to operate at maximum output to maintain uninterrupted supply to the national grid.

Some units have been kept under scheduled maintenance, while heavy fuel oil or furnace oil is being used for power generation to meet any surge in demand, he said.

All distribution companies have been instructed through online meetings to conduct round-the-clock monitoring. Officials from four zones of PDB have been asked to remain present in the field so that any line damage caused by storms or rain can be repaired quickly.

During Eid, with offices, courts and industries closed, electricity demand is relatively low. Residential areas will be easier to maintain normal supply. Vulnerable lines and substations of the national grid have already been inspected and maintained.

Special control rooms will remain operational nationwide for several days before and after Eid. Engineers, linemen and technical teams have been kept ready in the field to quickly resolve any power outages.

Senior officials of the Power Division and its subordinate departments and agencies will inspect the electricity situation in their respective workstations or the areas where they spend their holidays and provide necessary guidance. They will also submit a report to the Power Division secretary.

Dhaka Power Distribution Company, Dhaka Electric Supply Company, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board and Northern Electricity Supply Company have formed special teams in their respective areas.

The Power Division has urged consumers to avoid unnecessary electricity usage. Pre-paid meter users have been advised to recharge in advance.