Editorial
Saving electricity important
Change in habit as well as modern approach needed
At a moment that the country is facing a crisis of energy and power, it is needless to emphasise that the issue of controlling wastage of power should be one of our main concerns. In this perspective, introduction of the 'National Electricity Week' which is being observed since December 7 marks the date of commemoration of Dhaka's getting its first power connection about a century and a decade ago (1901). This is undoubtedly a very inspiring idea. But the quality of being novel and at the same time inspiring is one thing, while getting the people habituated to saving electricity is another.
A report on the back page of the December 9 issue of this paper provides a glaring example of how an extravagantly illuminated high-rise building flies in the face of the Electricity Week when it is still under observance.
It is a matter to be researched by social psychologists as to why people can be so casual about the need to save electricity in a country so ridden by power crisis. The department that looks after power, needs to lay added stress on creating the necessary condition so that consumers may find it more gainful to save power in stead of wasting it with gay abandon.
Since consumers would be more responsive to measures that would help them save cost on utilities, the authorities would do well to introduce a system by which they would be able to buy the power they like to use for regular consumption or for a special purpose in advance. And for special use of power for any larger private or social occasion, they may get the prior permission for such use from an appropriate authority and buy the needed power in advance accordingly. The existence of such systems will help the consumers to save as well as supply them with the options to choose between various packages of power available at the supplier's end. On the other hand, the authorities concerned would know in advance the amount of power to be made available in the national grid to match consumers' need.
The prevailing regime of power is inherently susceptible to corruption and misuse. The leakages will not stop, but portend to grow bigger even after more power is added to the grid, as the finance minister has assured. To reverse the harmful trend of misuse and pilferage of power, the government should therefore think of adopting modern management and distribution tools for ensuring sustainable use of power.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
An alarming report on children’s exposure to climate risks
3 hour(s) ago
Editorial
Why is safe water inaccessible for millions despite rising spending?
19 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
BB must confront bad loans’ true scale
18 June 2026, 18:38 PM
Editorial
Dolphin deaths must be investigated
18 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Weak policing fuelling rise in crimes
17 June 2026, 18:18 PM
Editorial
Comments