Power shortage will decrease next summer: Energy State Minister

The government is taking major initiatives to ease the electricity woes of the country's people during the upcoming hot season. The State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources announced that the power shortage in the country will decrease significantly next summer. He shared this hopeful news during a discussion with journalists at the Dhaka Secretariat, stating that the government has already started preparations to reduce public suffering.

Over the past few years, people across the country have faced severe load shedding during the summer. Especially in rural areas, life became unbearable due to hours of power outages. To handle this situation, the government plans to commission several new power plants. At the same time, arrangements are being made to purchase the necessary fuel to restart closed power plants.

The Power Division stated that electricity demand during the summer could reach nearly 16,500 megawatts. To meet this increased demand, additional funds are being allocated for importing coal, gas, and furnace oil. The State Minister mentioned that regular communication is being maintained with Bangladesh Bank to ensure the supply of dollars required for power generation, preventing production halts due to fuel shortages.

However, experts suggest that merely launching new plants will not suffice; modernizing the transmission lines is also crucial. Often, even when power is generated, it cannot reach households due to weak transmission systems. If the government can import fuel on time and resolve transmission line issues, only then will citizens experience relief next summer.