92pc people to get power by 2018

The whole Bangladesh will be brought under 100 percent electricity coverage by 2021 and the government is now looking forward to supply power to 92 percent of the total population by 2018 across the country.

Various projects are already being undertaken to generate and supply electricity smoothly as the government is determined to turn Bangladesh into a develop country, Director General of the Power Cell under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Mohammad Hossain told the news agency yesterday.

He said currently 76 percent people are enjoying electricity access since the power generation capacity reached the level of 14,500 megawatt (MW).

According to an official, the ongoing REB activities of constructing distribution lines and providing connections are meant for bringing 92 percent people under power facilities by 2018.

The REB has targeted to provide 1.9 crore power connections with construction of 4,40,000km distribution lines by 2021, as desired by the government, while some 77 Palli Bidyut Samities provided electricity connections to 1.21 crore customers through construction of 2.48 lakh km distribution lines, he said.

On an average, the REB through its samities is providing new power connections to 2.17 lakh customers and its target to construct 1.5 lakh distribution lines for brining 70 lakh consumers under power connection following the 7th five year plan (2015-2020).

Another plan for brining 30 lakh customers under electricity facilities through construction of 30,000km distribution lines during 2015-2016 fiscal year is under implementation.

The official said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government achieved a success in the power sector during her last and present tenures as she gave top priority to its importance in the overall development of the country.

He said the government set a target to generate 24,000MW electricity by using 53 percent coal as primary energy source within 2021.