Staff Reporter :
Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced on Wednesday that there will be no load shedding during the upcoming Ramadan. He assured the public that electricity will be supplied nationwide based on demand, with no scheduled closures for markets or shops during the holy month.
Speaking after a meeting at the Bidyut Bhaban, the adviser mentioned that electricity demand during Ramadan is expected to reach 15,700 megawatts, and load shedding is not anticipated due to a planned balance between supply and demand.
To ensure sufficient electricity generation, the gas supply will be increased from the current 900 million cubic feet to 1,200 million cubic feet, he added.
Unlike last year, mandatory market closures will not be enforced. However, the adviser cautioned that if electricity consumption in markets jeopardizes the supply or affects irrigation, closures could be considered.
He also noted that load shedding is likely to return after Ramadan, starting in April. Fouzul projected that electricity demand during the summer would reach 18,000MW, with a gas supply of 1,100 million cubic feet between April and September. This could result in load shedding between 700MW and 1,400MW.
The adviser assured that electricity supply for irrigation would remain unaffected.
As a measure to conserve electricity, Fouzul highlighted that air conditioners contribute an additional 6,000MW to summer demand.
He recommended setting air conditioners to 25 degrees Celsius in mosques, markets, and offices, which could save between 2,000MW and 3,000MW of electricity.
