People angered by 2-hour Loadshedding

The 2-hour load shedding after every two hours introduced across the country on Saturday has received with criticism and resentment from different sections of power consumers.
Power distribution agencies-DESCO, DPDC, REB, PDB and WZPDC – introduced the system at the best of the highest policy makers replacing loadshedding at every alternative hour.
The severe cut in power supply was necessitated as the generation stands at 3700-3800 MW against the demand of more than 6000 MW.
The power officials said they have received complaints and resentment against the new system of load shedding. “Now, many peoples are giving their negative reaction to two-hour load shedding system. Because, it creates more sufferings to them,” said a top official of DPDC which controls electricity distribution in major part of the capital city.
He said many people use standby generators. They now face troubles in running generators for two hours at a stretch. Many business houses are to close transactions for long two hours affecting their business, he added.
Business people are not taking the new system positively as it leads to more hazards. Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Secretary General SA Quader Kiron expressed sharp resentment. “Definitely, this is a bad decision as it is harmful to the business. This is not acceptable as people are not habituated with long two-hour loadshedding.”
Kiron is worried at reported government plan of complete cut in power supply in urban areas from 12 midnight to 6 am. “This will be ridiculous if really the government moves in that direction, because after whole day labour and frequent loadshedding, people want a good sheep after midnight.”
FBBCI vice-president Abul Quasem Ahmed said the new loadshedding system might be a temporary matter. “But we want complete free from loadshedding situation for the sake of our business.”
For the last couple of months, many areas across the country including the capital, have been facing severe load shedding as the gap between the supply and demand of electricity is widening fast with the onset of summer.
Power Secretary Abul Kalam Azad conveyed the new decision to the top officials of the distribution agencies at a meeting at the Power Division on Thursday last.
Sources close to the meeting told UNB that when they were reviewing the situation Azad was summoned to the Prime Minister’s Office. He was directed to introduce two-hour loadshedding at every two hours instead of one-hour after every hour.
Azad returned to the meeting and asked them to follow the new directive. He however said the new system is temporary for one week to see the public reaction.
“If the people welcome, then it will continue for the rest of the time. But if it creates any resentment among the consumers, the decision will be reviewed,” he told the officials.
The officials were also given the idea that the policy makers feel that loadshedding in every alternative hour is creating a bad impression among the public.

Courtesy of UNB via The New Nation