Load-shedding intensifies in Sylhet amid power supply shortfall

Electricity shortages have worsened in Sylhet, with officials reporting daily load-shedding of up to 40% due to a gap between demand and supply, compounded by fuel constraints and power plant outages.

Severe load-shedding is being experienced across the Sylhet region, with electricity unavailable for extended periods throughout the day.

The situation has persisted despite government measures such as early closure of shops to reduce demand.

Residents say frequent power cuts, often occurring multiple times within hours, have disrupted daily life.

During this (18 April) afternoon alone, electricity went out twice in the city, including a cut shortly before 1pm that lasted until around 2:10pm.

The ongoing outages have affected households, offices, and businesses, particularly as temperatures continue to rise. Many residents report difficulty coping with the combined impact of heat and unreliable electricity.

According to officials, the situation stems from a significant mismatch between electricity demand and supply.

Data from the Power Development Board (PDB) and the Rural Electrification Board show that Sylhet's total demand stands at 477 MW, including 170 MW for PDB consumers and 307 MW for rural users.

In contrast, supply from the national grid is around 130 MW for PDB consumers and 167 MW for rural electricity.

This has resulted in a deficit of 30% to 40% for PDB consumers and nearly 49% in rural areas, necessitating widespread load-shedding to maintain system stability.

Officials say the shortages are part of a broader national issue. The Sylhet Power Development Board authorities noted that load-shedding is being implemented across the country to prevent system collapse.

Sources linked the supply crisis partly to disruptions in fuel availability amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected the import of fuel oil used in power generation.

In addition, three power plants in Sylhet remain out of operation due to mechanical faults, further reducing supply to the national grid.

The impact has been particularly severe on businesses. Restaurant and café owners in areas such as Zindabazar, Kumarpara, and Noyasarak said frequent outages are hampering operations, as many rely on electricity for food preparation.

They reported losing customers when power cuts occur after orders are placed, with outages often lasting between one and one-and-a-half hours.

Juned Ahmad, a businessman in Zindabazar, said the irregular power supply has caused significant financial losses over the past few days and called for swift government action.

Abdur Rahman Ripon, president of the Sylhet Metropolitan Traders Unity Welfare Council, said that although markets are closing by 7pm in line with government directives, businesses are struggling to operate due to power cuts during the day.

Residents have also raised concerns. Samia Begum, a housewife from Shibganj, said frequent outages are affecting her son's preparation for the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.

Mohammad Imam Hossain, chief engineer of the PDB Sylhet Division, said load-shedding levels fluctuate depending on generation capacity and supply conditions.

"It cannot be determined in advance how long load-shedding will last," he said, noting that outages increase if power plants shut down or supply falls short of demand.

He added that fuel shortages, particularly LNG and fuel oil, are disrupting power generation, making load management unavoidable.