In order to address the anticipated power crisis during the upcoming Ramadan and hot summer, Power and Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan has urged government and private offices, mosques, and households to set air conditioners at 25°C.
He warned that designated teams from the Power Division would monitor compliance, and areas violating the directive could face load shedding, disconnection, or legal action.
Speaking on the sidelines of the District Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday, the adviser highlighted the economic challenges faced by the interim government, citing significant capital flight that has made it difficult to afford electricity and fuel.
Despite these obstacles, he assured that efforts were being made to maintain an uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan.
The adviser explained that winter electricity demand is approximately 9,000 megawatts, but it rises to 17,000–18,000 megawatts in summer due to increased irrigation and cooling needs. While irrigation, crucial for food production, remains a priority, regulating air conditioner usage could save several thousand megawatts of electricity.
Measures are already in place to reduce cooling demand, and the adviser requested the Religious Affairs Adviser to instruct mosques to set their ACs at 25°C during Taraweeh prayers. This directive will also apply to government and private offices, with Power Division teams monitoring enforcement. Violations, whether in urban or rural areas, may result in pre-announced load shedding or even power disconnections.
Regarding the ongoing gas crisis, the adviser stated that new wells are being drilled to gradually increase production. Additionally, illegal gas connections are being disconnected, saving 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. Efforts are also underway to secure sufficient foreign currency reserves for LNG imports through discussions with the Finance Adviser. The country’s electricity generation capacity, he emphasised, is not the issue, but fuel shortages remain a significant challenge.
The adviser further noted that high-cost power purchases are under review, with a standard to be set for determining the quantity and cost of electricity sourced from coal, gas, and oil-based power plants. The ultimate goal, he said, is to ensure a sustainable power and energy sector.
To enforce the AC usage policy, letters will be sent to relevant advisory council members. The Cabinet Secretary will receive a directive for government offices, and the public is urged to comply with the request voluntarily.
