BPDB signs deals with DPDC, REB

State-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) signed Monday electricity sales and purchase deals with two state-owned electricity distribution companies -- DPDC and REB -- to ensure smooth electricity trade.

Under the deals, the BPDB would sell electricity to Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (DPDC) and Rural Electrification Board (REB) , while the latter would supply the electricity to end users.

Currently, the DPDC and REB have been purchasing electricity from the BPDB, the country's lone buyer of electricity from producers, without having any deals.

State minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) Nasrul Hamid was the chief guest at the function at Bidyut Bhaban in the city.

Electricity sector would be more responsive to provide quality electricity in future, he said speaking on the occasion.

The government provided electricity connections to households within the shortest possible time, said Mr Hamid.

Ninety four per cent areas across the country have already been brought under electricity coverage, he said, adding, some 5.5 million solar home systems (SHS) are in use across the country.

BPDB's acting secretary Md Imrul Hossain, DPDC secretary Joyonto Kumar Sikdar and REB secretary Asafuddowla inked the deals.

Power secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, BPDB chairman Khaled Mahmood, REB chairman Maj General (retd) Moin Uddin also spoke among others on the occasion.

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