Energy planning

THE energy sector of the country is a source of worry for all. It lacks short, medium and long term planning. The sector is causing serious concern both at macro- and micro-levels of the economy. For the macro level, the concern is mainly due to the vital links between economic growth and investment and their dependence on smooth energy supply. At the micro level the entrepreneurs find it hard to cope with short and erratic energy supply. The anxiety acts as a disincentive for further investments by them in different fields.
It is imperative to address the overall energy shortage under an effective master plan that would take into consideration all the sides to the development of the sector. The plan needs to be formulated and implemented at the fastest in view of the worsening supply of energy. Once such a plan is firmed up and clear signals are received about its full implementation, it will raise investors' confidence. It will accelerate the growth momentum in the economy. Essentially, a comprehensive plan for the energy sector must 'integrate' in it developmental needs of different sub-sectors -- generation, transmission distribution ect. -- of the overall energy sector sectors. That will then lead to a favourable outcome benefitting the overall growth of the economy.
Sohail Imran
Baridhara, Dhaka