As the government begins an experimental load-shedding plan in Dhaka to address an electricity crisis, the city is entering a critical phase. Announced on April 23, 2022, by Anindya Islam Amit, the load-shedding will consist of 110MW of power cuts due to several factors affecting electricity demand. While this plan is an effort to stabilise the power grid, it is being implemented at an incredibly difficult time when temperatures have exceeded 37°C, leading to unprecedented high demand for electricity and testing the city’s electrical infrastructure. In addition to balancing the electrical grid, residents of Dhaka will experience an increased number of managed blackouts as a result of the heatwave currently affecting the area.
Overview of Load-Shedding Plan
- Scope: 110MW of planned power outages in the city of Dhaka
- Purpose: Transfer power to rural areas of Bangladesh, where it can be used for continuous irrigation
- Stakeholder Agreement: Agreement reached through discussion between the government and the opposition leadership
- Trial Period: This plan is scheduled to be put into effect for a period of 7 days, at which time its impact on the city’s electrical supply will be evaluated
As this plan represents a strategic realignment of the government’s energy policy from urban convenience to agricultural stability and sustainability during the peak summer months, there will be several factors contributing to the increased demand for electricity, as detailed below.
Reasons for Electrical Outages in Dhaka
1)Sizeable Difference between Supply and Demand
16,000MW of power used vs. 14,126MW generated
(approximate) A difference of 2,000MW between supply and demand
2) Insufficient Fuel Supply to Generate Power
Gas-based fuel supply has been drastically reduced, causing electrical generation to be limited
3) Extreme Heat Wave
Current heat wave affecting 21 districts and recording temperatures exceeding 37°C
Increased demand for electricity from the use of air conditioning units and fans
The combination of these factors would make it impossible to control electrical outages through load-shedding.
What Dhaka Residents Should Expect
Power outages are anticipated during the following times: B.C. should expect high energy demand:
- Peak time in the evening hours
- Late evening (high consumption)
- It is likely that the above times may affect individuals and companies as well.
- Poor sleep due to nighttime heat disruptions
- Business interruptions
Water shortages (due to pump failure) from not having power, and reliance on more backup power resources.
Irrigation has greatly improved in rural areas; however, urban houses will most immediately feel the brunt of the power outages.
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Reasons Why Rural Areas Are Being Prioritised
The government intends to do this for several reasons:
- To ensure stable irrigation for growing crops
- To protect our food supply at the height of crop production
- To reduce the urban-rural energy disparity
This short-term power outage is being viewed as a long-term economic protection to urban area households.
Practical Tips to Survive Load-Shedding in Heat
- Drink Water Frequently: Drink water regularly; also remember to drink ORS or Electrolyte Rehydration solutions on top of your regular drinking water intake.
- Ventilation/Airflow: In the early morning and late evening, open the windows for cross ventilation to decrease indoor temperatures when inside.
- Prepare a Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in place to be prepared for any potential power outages in addition to charging your mobile device portable charger, light source for your emergency kit (flashlight, batteries).
- Minimise Your Time Exposed to Heat: Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and keep yourself cool by using wet cloths or towels on your face, wrists and neck area.
- Eat Smart During the Summer: Eating a light meal will help cool your body down (for instance, watermelon and cucumber are good options).
The Next Steps
After 1 week the government will review the results of the Load Shedding Trials of Dhaka; however, improvements should be completed by May 2026 with fuel supply stabilisation and subsequent phasing into the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant development project completion.
Final Analysis
The results of the completed Load Shedding Trials (110 MW) indicate that the Bangladesh Power Sector has a fundamental structural problem. These load-shedding trials provide assistance to the farmer but affect more than a million urban population during the intense summer months with heat and humidity.
In today’s climate and during the summer, the most effective solutions to living through the “hot and low-power” season are to be prepared and manage your energy efficiently.
