Illegal electricity connections in residential areas to be severed

In order to ensure uninterrupted electricity in the upcoming month of Ramadan, the Power Division will sever all illegal electricity connections in residential areas. People who are taking illegal connections in residential areas and using the electricity for commercial purposes will have their electrical connections severed. Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (Desco) has been instructed to severe the illegal connections next Sunday. Last year on July 5 the High Court instructed the removal of all illegal installations and commercial buildings in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Dhanmondi within the next ten months. The authorities also said all connections of electricity, gas and water will be severed. The timeframe set by the High Court ends next Sunday; hence all connections will be severed on that day. A meeting was held on Thursday at the Power Division office that discussed how electricity can be ensured in the upcoming Ramadan and summer season. State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid brought up the topic of illegal electricity connections at the meeting. Power Division Secretary-in-Charge Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Petrobangla Chairman Abul Mansur Md Faizullah were present at the meeting among others. The Power Division has also given instructions to keep the CNG stations closed for six hours during Ramadan (from 5pm-11pm). They have also instructed citizens to refrain from excessive decoration with lighting and to use air conditioners in moderation. Nasrul Hamid said at the meeting: “In order to ensure uninterrupted power, 1,000 megawatts of electricity is being added to the national grid. We are also increasing the capacity of the substations to prevent power outages.” According to sources at the Power Division, preventive measures will be taken to tackle the possible crisis. The shopping malls, petrol pumps and CNG stations will have to abide the law and use electricity in moderation. After dark, ovens, irons, welding machines and other machinery that consume excess electricity cannot be used. The departmental stores and commercial organizations will have to refrain from heavily using air conditioning. Desco Managing Director Shahid Sarwar said: “The time limit given by the High Court ends on Sunday. We will start disconnecting illegal electrical lines on that day.”