We are now self-sufficient in power generation and our generation capacity surpasses our demand. However, still there are a number of challenges which the government should address prudently.
Experts are of the opinion that the big challenge is to supply uninterrupted electricity at specific voltages and frequencies. Otherwise, the use of electricity will not increase in industry. As a result, the amount of subsidy in the power sector and electricity price will increase continuously. Also, the cost of grid power supply will increase in some places where demand is low.
Government should formulate new
policies to increase the production and
consumption of renewable energy
There is no denying that over the last ten years the incumbent government has developed the power sector in a planned way addressing it as one of the most essential sectors for sustainable development of the country. In 2009, the number of people having access to electricity was 47 percent, which now increased to 91 percent. Noticeably, cost of every unit of electricity is around Taka 6.25, but the government is making it available to people at Taka 4.82
Over the last ten years country’s power generation capacity has increased by four-fold but still the problems of power outages, low-voltage and load-shedding persist in some areas due to limitations in power transmission and distribution systems.
The power situation has improved in big cities including Dhaka but load shedding is happening in District, Upazila and village areas due to limitation of transmission and distribution system. Therefore, focus should be given on improving the power distribution and transmission system in villages instead of increasing generation capacity.
Use of renewable energy in Bangladesh has been negligible over the last few years. Reportedly, renewable energy contributes approximately 4 per cent to the country's national energy power mix. Therefore, focus should be given on formulating new policies to increase the production and consumption of renewable energy to ensure environment-friendly energy production.