Electricity not saved

Celebrations or a misuse? A high-rise in the capital is adorned with bright lights in contrast to National Electricity Week's message for people to save power. Photo: Shawkat Jamil

Power conserved by one means power available to another, said Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday, requesting everyone to make a habit of saving electricity at the inaugural of the first ever 'National Electricity Week'.
"There may be no other country in the world wasting electricity as we do," he said, urging each citizen to consider the energy and economic limitations of the country.
A pointless practice in our country, especially in most offices, is to set air conditioners at very low temperatures, unlike Japan where they strictly maintain it at 26 degree Celsius throughout the year, he said.
Everybody should be personally aware of it, he suggested.
The minister was addressing as chief guest at the programme organised by Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, in the capital.
Electricity is the key to employment generation and enhancement of productivity -- a sector which has been ignored during the previous government's tenure, Muhith said.
"A total of 971 megawatts of electricity has been added to the national grid till October this year" he said, adding, “By January 2011, 300 MW more will be produced and 2000 MW more will be generated by December 2011, bringing relief to the public.”
"By 2013, we hope to strike a balance between the demand and supply of power," Muhith said.
Currently, the capacity of power generation is 6000 MW, but only 4,300 MW is generated because of old machines, which are being overhauled, he said.
"We are also opting for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, but the technology to produce it is very expensive," the minister said.
At present, only 35 MW come from renewable sources, he noted.
There is also a shortage of gas which leaves us with no alternative but to use coal for power generation, said the minister.
He also asked the ministry concerned to ensure that the rural areas are not deprived of electricity.
Prime Minister's Adviser on energy Dr Toufiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said Bangladesh is going through a crisis in meeting the demand for power, but this could be overcome if the plans are implemented.
He said saving an unit of electricity is much easier than generating it which makes conservation so crucial.
Rural Electrification Board Chairman Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam said Bangladesh could reach a new height of development if the demand for power is met.
To create awareness about the optimum use of electricity, the power division is organising discussions, exhibitions of energy saving tools and will distribute leaflets at national and regional levels. It will also inspire the customers to pay electricity bills on time and discourage illegal connections.
A total of 49 awards were given in various categories including: Best Employee in Power Sector, Best Power Unit, Best Project Director, Best Customer, Reporters from Print and Electronic Media, among others.
The country will observe Electricity Day on December 7 every year, as Bangladesh got its first power connection in Dhaka in 1901 on that day.
State Minister for Power Mohammad Enamul Haque and Power Development Board Chairman ASM Alamgir Kabir also addressed the function chaired by Power Division Secretary Abul Kalam Azad.