BSS :
The government has undertaken a big move to enhance the capacity and also ensure modernization of the distribution network of Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB), which is expected to benefit and ensure uninterrupted power supply to some 3,430,000 consumers in the Khulna division.
The BREB under the Power Division will implement the project with an estimated cost of Tk3,076.22 crore by June 2025.
Of the total project cost, Tk567.26 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk808.88 crore will come from the respective organization’s own fund while the rest of Tk1,700.07 crore as project assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The project titled “Modernization of power distribution system and capacity enhancement of BREB (Khulna division)” is likely to be placed before the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday, said a Planning Commission official.
Ecnec Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will preside over the meeting virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence while ministers, state ministers, secretaries, and planning commission members will join the meeting from the NEC conference room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
The official said the main objectives of the project are enhancing the network capacity of BREB and its up-gradation, meeting the growing power demand, ensuring an uninterrupted, reliable, cost-efficient power distribution system, and thus reducing the system loss in power distribution.
The project area covers nine Palli Bidyut Samities of BREB -Bagerhat, Jessore-1, Jessore-2, Jhenaidah, Khulna, Kushtia, Magura, Meherpur, and Satkhira.
The project will also help improve household incomes by reducing expenses on kerosene for cooking as well as lighting and provide opportunities for energy-based economic activities.
Talking to BSS, a Planning Commission member preferring anonymity said that the demand for power is increasing all over the country including in Khulna Division, so there is a need for enhancing the capacity of the distribution network.
