- Set AC at 25°C
- Minimize lighting at shops, malls, stations
- Efficient power use urged
- Energy imports to stabilize supply
- Crackdown on power theft
- Awareness drives by officials
- Irrigation power demand priority
Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Ministry, has appealed for public cooperation to prevent load shedding during the upcoming summer, irrigation period, and the holy month of Ramadan.
He emphasized the importance of using electricity efficiently and moderately to manage rising demand.
His remarks came during an address to worshippers at the Kakrail Circuit House Mosque after Asr prayers, followed by a briefing to journalists.
Highlighting the need for collective effort, he stated, "To avoid the inconvenience of load shedding, we need your support."
He urged the public to set air conditioners not below 25 degrees Celsius, on the plea that lower settings would lead to higher power consumption and increase the risk of outages.
Fauzul Kabir also called for reducing unnecessary lighting and fan usage in homes, shops, shopping malls, petrol pumps, and CNG stations to help balance the power supply.
In his briefing, the adviser pointed out that domestic gas reserves are dwindling, forcing the country to depend on costly energy imports, which significantly impact foreign exchange reserves.
He explained that power demand sharply increases in summer due to higher temperatures and irrigation requirements.
"During winter, the demand is about 9,000 to 10,000 megawatts, but it jumps to 17,000 to 18,000 megawatts in summer," he stated, adding that around 2,000 megawatts are needed for irrigation alone, which cannot be reduced without affecting agricultural production. The remaining 5,000 to 6,000 megawatts are consumed by air conditioning and excessive lighting.
Reiterating the importance of setting air conditioners at 25 degrees Celsius, he noted, "Even in Malaysia, where there is no power shortage, air conditioners are set at 25 degrees."
He also informed that Power Division officials are visiting shops, petrol pumps, CNG stations, and shopping malls to raise awareness about conserving electricity by avoiding excessive lighting.
To ensure an uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan, Fauzul Kabir announced that four energy cargoes, including an additional one, are being imported.
He expressed optimism, stating, "If people act responsibly and avoid unnecessary power usage, there will be no load shedding during Ramadan."
Addressing concerns about illegal power connections and theft, the adviser confirmed that measures similar to those taken against illegal gas connections are underway to curb these issues.
