Power sector revenue up

The fragile power sector, which has arrears of Tk 6,708 crore to different government and autonomous bodies, achieved 14.30 per cent revenue growth from Tk 5,031 crore to Tk 6,952 crore during 2001-'02 and 2002-'03, according to a report of the power division.

The report said the power generation also increased by 5.81 per cent during the last two years. Commissioning of Meghaghat 450 MW power plant and establishment of 230 KV sub-station at Rampura with necessary transmission lines contributed significantly to reduce loadshedding, the report said yesterday.

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It, however, underscored the need for taking a balanced programme to ensure a reliable and stable power supply in the country, which has been facing an average demand growth of eight per cent per year.

Immediate measures should be taken to establish new plants, and expand transmission and distribution of power, the report added.

The country marked a record generation of 3,592 MW electricity on August 17 against an installed capacity of 4,710 MW including 1,290 MW from independent power plants.

The country needs an immediate generation of 1,100 MW power to meet this year's demand, but it will have only 635 MW from four power plants, which can not generate electricity before 2004-'05.