Relentless load shedding has pushed residents of Madaripur district to their wits’ end. Frequent power outages, as supply falls significantly short of demand, disrupt daily life across the district. With no electricity for 10 to 12 hours each day, ordinary citizens face immense hardship.
Local people noted that power cuts occur unpredictably at any time. The absence of electricity during this intense heat prevents the use of fans, causing significant distress to young children and the elderly.
The crisis has also crippled industrial activity, with factory production diving to half of its usual capacity. As a result, local businessmen are facing mounting financial losses.
According to the Madaripur Sales and Distribution Division, the West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDCL) requires 16 MW of electricity for its 33,000 customers but is receiving a supply of only 12 MW.
Meanwhile, the Palli Bidyut Samity, which serves around 400,000 customers, is receiving a supply of 52 MW against a demand of 98 MW. Authorities are managing the deficit by rotating load shedding across different areas via 80 substations based on regional importance.
Palli Bidyut Samity Deputy General Manager (Technical) Asit Saha said the duration of load shedding varies by area. He added that it would take time for the situation to normalise, as the current crisis stems from supply falling short of demand.
WZPDCL Madaripur Sub Divisional Mizanur Rahman also said they were receiving only three-quarters of the required electricity. As the high temperatures have led to increased electricity usage, load shedding is being implemented for certain periods by dividing the service into different areas.
