Bangladesh power crisis

05 June 2006

THE power crisis has taken a critical turn during the current summer. The consumers are deeply annoyed with widespread load shedding, the business people frustrated for the production shortfall in their industrial units on account of power supply disruptions.
The lingering power crisis is creating severe pressure on the country's economy. There were several moves from the government to find out an immediate solution to the nagging crisis. Yet no tangible result is visible.
However, a proposal of the Power Division -- suggesting measures for energy efficiency and alternative energy generation -- is lying idle with the Planning Commission for the past several years. Efforts have been on, over the past three years to launch a separate organisation for the purpose.
Energy experts see power saving devices as makeshift but instant solution to prevailing power crisis hampering productivity in industrial and agricultural sectors. They say there will be hardly any power shortage in the country if energy-saving complete florescent lamps (CFLs) are launched in each and every household.
Studies suggest that the energy efficient devices like CFL and some other steps can save nearly 1,500 megawatt (MW) of electricity against the current shortfall of 1,200mw. According to a conservative calculation, 800 mw to 1100 mw power can be saved instantly through introduction of the available energy efficient devices, efficient load management and staggering office hours or holiday period in commercial and industrial sectors.
The Power Cell study estimated that 273 mw can be saved through CFLs alone and the rest of the 1100 mw through load management measures and staggering or readjustment of working hours in offices or holiday period in commercial and industrial sectors. More conservatively, the peak demand to the tune of 1050 mw can be easily shifted from the peak (to off-peak) with the above-noted measures. Such steps will also help significantly reduce the electricity bill of the consumers, the study revealed.
But the experts and power officials said hardly any initiative has so far been taken to promote the "technically feasible and cost effective" energy efficiency measures despite the predictions by the Power Division about the deteriorating electricity situation for, at least, next three years and also frantic efforts by the government for raising generation capacity in a conventional manner.
More interestingly, the introduction of energy efficient measures will not require any extra investment. Rather, it will help earn additional revenue, enhance commercial viability of the sector and ensure reliable and smooth power supply. The Power Division has prepared a proposal to introduce the CFLs at the household level under an arrangement, which will enable the consumers to purchase selected quality lamps free of cost from the designated shops subject to adjustment of the price in phases with their electricity bills. However, the use of CFLs is expected to help reduce the electricity bills of the consumers but they will continue to pay the bills at the existing rate until the bulb prices are fully realised in next 11 months.
The Power Division now awaits the final approval of the authorities to float a designated organisation for regulating and exploring energy efficiency as well as renewable energy sources to introduce the system.
The government had earlier decided to import small power plants to meet the power shortfall. Of late, it was found that the process would take three to four months to materialise. Henceforth, it was deemed not feasible to meet the urgent demand. Building power plants with supplier's credit was cancelled in the face of stiff opposition from the development partners. Barge-mounted power plants could not be another option. Yet importation of those requires certain time as well. The government's decision in response to such crisis was unfortunately found to be dubiously laid down amid chronic uncertainty and hesitation.
Of late, the government has decided to seek help from the private sector. There are many generators and tiny power plants at the hands of the private operators. Projections say an additional 1000 megawatt (mw) power can be generated from these captive power units. If an agreement could be reached with the private sector operators, the government is expected to prepare modus operandi to use these to meet the power shortfall.
This process also requires some times because the government has to mobilise resources and motivate all stakeholders and persuade them to rent their units. In case of their disagreement, what will happen? Is the government going to force them to let their plants use or penalise them for their refusal? Nothing has been decided as yet and it is not known when such decision, if taken, will be made operational.
The people now realise that some alternatives to traditional power sources must be found out. They must not sit idle. Where the government is failing to act in mitigating their grievances, they need to come forward with innovative ideas. And such an innovative idea ended up recently with positive result. Reports say a group of villagers in Lalmonirhat district of northern areas have successfully launched solar energy in their households and are getting electricity round-the-clock. Not only they got rid of persisting load-shedding, they are also trying to use it for irrigation purposes. Local experts say the country could solve its existing power crisis through renewable energy sources adding 60 per cent of the total demand to the national grid.
Such an alternative use of energy should definitely encourage other incumbents to follow the suit. It is a pity that no government organisations have so far shown proper interest to use alternative sources of energy.
Alternative sources of energy such as wind power, solar, hydro-electricity, bio-mass, bio-gas fuel etc. are in use in the country on a limited scale for long. Use of solar power is very much popular in Europe - particularly in Germany where it meets 45 per cent demand of entire needs. Nearly 85 per cent of the primary energy in the USA comes from bio-energy. Experts believe 20 per cent of the world's electrical energy may come from renewable sources by 2020.
Some non-government organisations (NGOs) are trying to educate the people in Bangladesh on use of bio-gas, fossil fuel etc. For unknown reasons, these environment-friendly renewable energy sources could not be launched throughout the country. Two reasons can be cited. Firstly, the government did not come to assist such projects with a whole-hearted approach. Secondly, the NGOs could not properly motivate the people for greater use of these unconventional energy resources. Indeed, the government could never think that such renewable energy sources could be options as sources of power. It only included biogas in some foreign aided rural development projects at the insistence of the development partners. Widespread motivation towards solar and wind power is not possible by the NGOs in the absence of adequate government help.
In building necessary infrastructure for solar and wind power, the government needs to go for preparing bigger projects and seek assistance from the development partners. Since such sources of energy are eco- and environment-friendly, overseas assistance is more or less assured. The government may not find adequate returns as the power generation needs only a device -- Solar Hand System (SHS). The government may charge a nominal amount for the device and necessary infrastructure, but it can not charge for the electricity which is free everywhere.
Introduction of the energy efficient devices, efficient load management and alternative energy resources will go a long way in mitigating the country's nagging power crisis.

The Financial Express

User comments

"HOW TO SOLVE PRESENT ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE CRISES OF BANGLADESH"

Author: Shah Haider

Time: 05.06.2006 20:52

Comment: (The author is the only Registered Professional Engineer in REB/PBS, General Manager-Comilla PBS-2 (Bangladesh) with 25 years of Professional experience in Energy sector & Military Engineering Services.

He is Member Network of Energy Advisors, Linx Research, NY, (USA), Life Member-South Asia Federation of AOTS Alumni Societies (Japan), Associate-Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership UK, Partner-Global Village Energy Partnership (UK), Member-Bangladesh Computer Society, Member-Bangladesh Society for Total Quality Management, Life Fellow-IEB etc.

He has been to USA, China, Japan, India, Nepal etc on various Professional visits)

Electricity is the basic infrastructure of today’s development. Bangladesh is having huge shortage in this summer. This shortage will continue for years unless something is done under Crash programme. The adverse impact of electricity shortage is enormous. Every sector is affected and our economy is being crippled. At present Experts has opined no improvement of Power supply for next 3 years or more.

Instead of analyzing what has been done, it’s whose failure; we should immediately go for short-term measures to solve the Electricity shortage issue.

There are 2 types of Electricity shortage depending on timing.

a. Peak-hour-shortage-, which mainly affects residential and other
Users. Our present Peak hour shortage is around 40% of our Generation.

b. Off-Peak-hour-shortage-, which affects Industries, Offices and other users. Our present Off-Peak hour shortage is around 20-25% of Generation.

The Short Term Plan given below and if Implemented properly will lead to No electricity shortage or Nominal power shortage by next 4-6 years, which sounds absurd in present situation but is possible

A financial analysis of this plan will motivate any Government and whole nation to go for implementation of this scheme.
SHORT TERM PLAN

1. MOTIOVATION TO USE LESS ELECTRICITY (5+% saving)
Motivation is a key to success in today’s management. Intensive motivation, Intensive Public appealing Ads in TV/Press, Public appealing programmes everywhere can be started immediately. People are required to make understand we are having shortage of electricity. Public might think they are paying genuinely, so why they should not be provided with adequate supply.

The Electricity rates are not based on actual cost of Electricity generation, transmission & distribution including all ancillary and depreciation cost. What people are paying for it is only a part of the Total actual cost of electricity. Effect of misuse and losses are also to be catered. This sector is not subsidized.

Let people realize how much 1 (one) Kilowatt of electricity cost and how much they are paying, Tariff comparison specially with our nearby countries etc. is to be publicized

Examples of Developed countries and Developing countries on how they save Electricity should be well circulated.

The cost for motivation via Press, TV can be made by concerned departments and TV channels can also cooperate. Rural Electrification Board (REB) has very good setup of doing public motivation through its cooperatives (PBS).

Proper and continuous motivation will reduce Consumption by 5% or more, but it’s a real challenge but before that, the staffs are to be fully motivated or convinced.

2. USE OF ENERGY SAVING LIGHTS (5+ % saving in Peak hours)
Energy saving lights can save around 70% of electricity for same illumination; only problem is that it’s too costly. It costs around 15 times more than ordinary bulbs. These bulbs have 12 to 15 months guarantee, but still common people cannot afford it. These bulbs are very popular abroad.

Taxes on this product may be made NIL thereby enabling people to use it extensively.

This may save more than 200 Megawatts of electricity, whose construction may cost more than Taka 8000 million and 3 years of construction period.

3. LOAD MANAGEMENT (10 % saving in Peak hours)
“Cut your coat according to your cloth”.
Well there is shortages of electricity generation, so be economical, i.e. do Load Management. But practically when it comes with electricity, it is difficult to follow it.

As a first step to load management, markets are to be closed by 7 PM, but how?
It will be difficult for people to have Load management with present office timings of
0900-1700 hours. Before we go for changing our Marketing habits, our office timings are to be changed to allow us enough time after office hours for marketing, leisure etc.

Office time: 0730-to-1400 hours or 0730–to-1430 hours 6 days a week office. This will give us ample time for marketing in evening. Again people will have more time to work in a week. After all, a developing country like Bangladesh needs more working hours for its existence. Remember “Early to bed, early to rise makes Jack healthy, wealthy & wise”

The Markets are then to be closed with by 1900 hours sharp. Result…Peak hour electricity will be utilized only by Domestic and other required users only.

4. STOPPAGE OF EXESS LIGHTENING IN MARKETS & ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS (5% saving in Peak hours)
We should REMEMBER during Gulf war we had restriction on Guests Invitation in marriages, lightening restriction etc all effectively imposed.

In present situation, Markets are to use minimum electricity, No lightening be allowed in any occasion, Bill boards are to be without electricity (again these are main source of electricity pilferage). Any violation will lead to HEAVY penalty to the Owner of the Community Center or Hotel or market with instantaneous electricity line disconnection.

Again motivation will teach us all to stop misuse of electricity in these crises.

5. METER CHECKING BY CRASH PROGRAMME (10+% saving)
Meters are considered CASH BOX of Electricity system.

All Electric meters are to be regularly checked (Industries twice or more, others once every month) in following priority.

a. Large Industries.
b. Other Industries.
c. Markets, shopping malls etc.
d. Residential quarters in posh areas.
e. Others.

This will lead to Revenue increase, automatic decrease in misuse of electricity and automatic Load management with more than 10% load decrease.

6. PENELTY AND PUNISHMENT (5 % saving)
Heavy Financial Penalty at least 10 Times of approximate pilferage and/or Jail term of
minimum 1 year and more. For it Laws are to be amended accordingly. As an experiment,
the Managers of Electric Departments may be given Magistracy power for 6-12 months on
experimental basis, but any misuse of this power will lead to strict disciplinary action
against the Managers
Result: Revenue increase, Load shedding decrease. Public will be discouraged to go
for electricity theft. Moral of department goes up with the new administrative power.

7. SYSTEM LOSS REDUCTION & INCENTIVES (5+% savings)
Present System loss is decreasing. Further decrease needs Special efforts for which Bonus
equal to 10% of the Selling Price of Electricity saved in MWHr in 6 months interval be
given to the employees of all Electricity Distribution Department, viz PDB, PGCB,DESA,
DESCO REB/PBS etc.

This Incentive will lead to reduction in Corruption in this sector, revenue increase
and Load shedding decrease.

8. NO FAVORATISM (SUPARISH) IN CASE OF ELECTRICITY THEFT CASES.
At least for Next 2 to 3 year, this sector is to be left undisturbed and No pressure be imposed on any Department working to minimize theft of electricity in favour of electricity thieves. This process to continue even after positive results are attained.

9. INDUSTRIAL/IRRIGATION ETC CONNECTIONS TO REMAIN OFF DURING PEAK HOURS (5-10% savings).
Industries, Irrigation and other consumers be motivated not to use electricity during Peak hours (normally 1800-to-2300 hours). In return uninterrupted electricity be normally ensured to them during other part of the day.
10. REDUCTION OF TECHNICAL LOSSES (5 % saving)
This includes:
a. Improvement of Power factor by installation of Capacitor Banks in feeders.
b. Improvement of voltage by installing Voltage Regulators as done in REB sub-stations and lines, phase balancing, installation of proper size conductors etc. This task is to be started immediately and finished by 4 months in first phase.
c. Ensuring Power Factor Improvement (PFI) devices in Consumer end or Heavy penalty be imposed. Consumers are to be made understand the benefits of Power factor improvements.
d. Other technical improvements as deemed fit by Engineers.
This task to be completed by 3 or 4 months positively.
11. IMPROVEMENT OF GRID SYSTEM
Minor/short term improvements in Grid system, Grid sub stations, transmission system which will lead to better voltage, efficient and reliable supply of electricity is to be implemented as per advice of PGCB and PDB.

12. IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION
A touchy situation, but in present situation this task need to be done with honesty and dedication. Improvement of existing generation with small investment and that can be added within next few months are to be considered in this phase.
13. SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF GENERATION AND GRID SUPPLY SYSTEM.
Financial incentives be given to staffs of PGCB, Generation units, Power cell etc. for their extra ordinary achievements.

14. TARIFF INCREASE (equivalent to 5-10% increase)
Our tariff is poorest and not practical considering SEA region. No business can run continuously on Loss. Electricity Tariffs should be cost effective.
There will be virtually No load shedding with these above plans properly implemented. Then people are willing to pay more if they get better and reliable electricity.
The subsidy given to the Irrigation and other sectors does not benefit the actual Users, rather Middlemen are benefited, so this subsidy be cancelled to minimize losses.

15. MONITORING OF DAY-TO-DAY SITUATION BY POWER CELL
Some organization preferably Power Cell be entrusted with the task of coordinating the Short Term planning to solve the electricity shortage crises with authority.
Remember. A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED. A KILOWATT OF ELECTRICITY SAVED IS LIKE AN EXTRA KILOWATT OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED.
These are some of the suggestions which if followed will minimize Load shedding to a greater extent in the country.