Economic impact of load shedding

The Dhaka city dwellers have started experiencing load shedding once again. Even in the middle of the night, they do not get the much needed respite from load shedding.

We experience power failures four/five times a day; and due to the sweltering heat the sufferings of the common people reach a peak. Especially the children and the older people are the worst sufferers of power outages. Besides, the students cannot go ahead with their regular studies after evening as the electricity supply becomes erratic.

Every day the country experiences 700 MW to 1000 MW of load shedding. The consumers also have to be wise and pragmatic, when they use power. Because of gas shortage, a 1900 MW power generation plant is sitting idle.  Due to load shedding, the production at mills and factories is hampered and the investors suffer from unexpected loss which shoots up their production cost.

The government needs to embark on massive power generation, as with each passing day the demand for electricity is going up and we need to think about our future. Without generating adequate electricity, we cannot keep our wheel of the economy moving at the desired speed.   

Mohammad Sohel Hara

Bonosree, Dhaka