87pc people happy with \\\'uninterrupted power supply\\\': Survey

A survey on consumer satisfaction claims that on average 87 per cent people are happy with the ‘uninterrupted power supply’ in Bangladesh. MIDAS, an NGO, conducted the survey on behalf of the government during October, November and December in 2013, the three-month time when the country's demand for electricity remains lower compared to other months of the year. MIDAS official Dr Mashiur Rahman, who has presented the survey report in the city, said they found that 69pc consumers in DPDC (Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited) areas, 87pc in REB (Rural Electrification Board) areas and 85pc consumers in WZPDC (West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd) areas are satisfied with uninterrupted power supply. Responding to a question, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said, “This is really beyond our expectation...people are so much satisfied.” He, however, agreed with the idea that the result might have been different had the survey been conducted during summer because electricity demand is relatively higher in hot weather and people have to experience disruption in power supply. State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid said the power supply situation has improved a lot and even then they are not happy. “We’ll be happy when the target reaches 100pc.” Power secretary Monwar Islam also spoke when the report was presented on Sunday afternoon, according to a news agency.