Reduce system loss, maintain stable power tariff: Energy Minister

The government has been implementing a series of measures to reduce system losses and maintain stable electricity tariffs.

"If we are able to reduce system losses in the electricity, then we will be able to keep power tariff stable," Power, Energy and Mineral Resources minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said.

Addressing an installation ceremony of Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh executive committee at the power and energy ministry's conference room, Mahmood, also a valiant freedom fighter, said that with transmission and distribution losses estimated around 10 percent, the power sector faces Taka 50 lakh for one percent system loss.

Replying to a question the minister said the government is going to take aggressive plan for ensuring availability of gas in the country, as no gas well was dug during the last 15 years.

Mahmood said the BNP government formulated a policy on power generation, in which it was planned that 35 percent electricity would come from private sector, while 65 percent from government sector.

"I've a schedule to meet the Honourable Prime Minister and inform about the current power and energy situation in details aiming at overcome the situation," he said.

Earlier, the minister greeted the newly elected executive committee and handed over crests to FERB's outgoing chairman Shamim Jahangir, elected Chairman Azizur Rahman Ripon and elected executive director Shirajul Islam.

The FERB executive director Shirajul Islam moderated the ceremony.