Padma Bridge Service Area-2 power bill down from Tk 5.21 lakh to Tk 75,714

A solar power system installed at Padma Bridge Service Area-2 has virtually reduced the facility's monthly electricity bill, according to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA).

The 2.49MWp solar plant operates under a net metering arrangement, allowing the service area to use solar-generated electricity during the day and export excess power to the national grid.

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Electricity drawn from the grid at night or during periods of low solar generation is offset against the exported power.

As a result, Service Area-2 paid only Tk 75,714 in June 2026 as a demand charge, compared with an electricity bill of Tk 5.21 lakh in May, the BBA said.

During May, the facility supplied 54,000kWh of electricity to the national grid while consuming 34,000kWh from Shariatpur Palli Bidyut, leaving a net surplus of 20,000kWh in favour of the authority.

The project is part of efforts to integrate renewable energy into the operation and maintenance of Padma Bridge, one of Bangladesh's largest infrastructure projects.

According to the BBA, the combined solar generation capacity at Service Areas 1, 2 and 3 now stands at 6.03MW. Net metering systems at Service Areas 1 and 3 are currently being implemented.

Officials said the initiative has reduced public expenditure on electricity and lowered dependence on conventional power sources.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf, secretary of the Bridges Division and executive director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, said the project represented a significant step in the adoption of renewable energy at a major national installation.

He said the initiative was reducing electricity costs while contributing to environmental protection and lower carbon emissions.