DHAKA, Dec 28, 2023 (BSS) - A total of 17,800 MW power will be needed to irrigation pumps for ensuring uninterrupted electricity power supply during the upcoming irrigation season.

This was revealed at an inter-ministerial review meeting held today at Bidyut Bhaban.

The meeting was taken 17 decisions, which described that currently irrigation connections is 4,87,851 and pending applications are 9,432. Electricity demand for irrigation alone is 347 MW in January 2024, 865 MW in February 2024, 1949 MW in March 2024, 2590 MW in April 2024 and 2590 MW in May 2024.

The irrigation season will start from January, 2024 and continue till April, 2024, according to a ministry statement issued today.

It said gas demand is expected to be 1760 mmcfd and minimum 1540 mmcfd during the irrigation season. Furnace oil demand is also expected to be 154,950 metric tons and diesel demand is likely to be 15,600 metric tons. 

According to the energy division, there is no shortage of furnace oil and diesel and will be supplied according to demand.

Supply of gas, furnace oil and diesel needs to be increased for power generation in the season. 

Senior Secretary of Power Division Md Habibur Rahman emphasized fulfilling the assigned duties according to the plan for uninterrupted power supply. 

Campaign to avoid peak-hours and use irrigation pump from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am and open control rooms in distribution agencies/companies under the power division to monitor irrigation activities including necessary repair or renovation of transmission lines. 

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) to maintain communication with concerned officials of Ministry of Railways, Department of Road Transport and Highways, BIWTC, BIWTA and BPC in order to ensure fuel transportation in the coming irrigation season, the meeting said. 

In order to ensure uninterrupted power supply to irrigation pumps, maintenance and repair work of grid substations, transmission lines, distribution lines and substations should be completed on an urgent basis. 

Ensure stock of fuel oil for minimum 2 (two) months production capacity in power generating stations including completion of up-gradation of overloaded substations and transmission lines as soon as possible.
 
Energy Division Secretary Md Nurul Alam, BPDB Chairman Md Mahbubur Rahman, Petrobangla Chairman Janendra Nath Sarkar, Power Cell Director 
General Mohammad Hossain, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Department including the Ministry of Railways were present in the inter-ministerial meeting.