Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan has called for public cooperation to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the upcoming summer, irrigation season, and the holy month of Ramadan.
He stressed the importance of efficient and moderate electricity use to manage the anticipated surge in demand.
The adviser made these remarks after Asr prayers at the Kakrail Circuit House Mosque, followed by a briefing with journalists. Addressing the worshippers, he said, “To prevent the inconvenience caused by load shedding, we need your support.”
He urged the public to set air conditioners to no less than 25 degrees Celsius, warning that lower temperatures would increase power consumption and could trigger load shedding.
He also urged citizens to minimise unnecessary lighting and fan usage in homes, shops, shopping malls, petrol pumps, and CNG stations.
In the briefing, the adviser discussed the ongoing energy crisis, highlighting that domestic gas reserves are depleting and the country is heavily reliant on costly energy imports, which are placing a strain on foreign exchange reserves.
Fauzul Kabir explained that power demand increases significantly during the summer due to higher temperatures and the need for irrigation.
“In winter, the demand is around 9,000 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts (MW), but in summer, it surges to 17,000MW to 18,000MW,” he noted.
He also mentioned that around 2,000MW of electricity are needed for irrigation, which cannot be reduced without affecting agricultural production. The remaining 5,000MW to 6,000MW are consumed by air conditioning and excessive lighting.
The adviser encouraged everyone to set air conditioners to 25 degrees Celsius, a temperature he described as both comfortable and efficient.
“Even in Malaysia, where there is no power shortage, air conditioners are set at 25 degrees,” he pointed out.
Fauzul Kabir also announced that four additional energy cargoes, including one extra shipment, are being imported to ensure a stable power supply during Ramadan.
He expressed confidence that if the public remains mindful of their energy consumption, load shedding can be avoided during the holy month.
In response to a question regarding illegal power connections and theft, the adviser assured that measures are being taken to combat such issues, similar to the crackdown on illegal gas connections.
