The closure of Bhola’s 34.5 MW rental power plant three months ago due to mechanical failure has plunged the district into a prolonged period of darkness and load shedding. The West Zone Power Distribution Company (Ozopadico) has been struggling to meet the electricity demand through the national grid, leading to frequent power outages. This situation has exacerbated the impact of the current heatwave on the people of Bhola, making daily life unbearable.
The power plant, commissioned around 2009 to address the district’s electricity needs, has faced recurring mechanical issues since its inception. Minor faults often resulted in temporary shutdowns, while major mechanical failures halted operations for extended periods, affecting the entire district. The latest major mechanical failure occurred on January 24, leading to a complete blackout in Bhola. Although the electricity system was partially restored after 24 hours through the national grid, the supply remains insufficient to meet demand, resulting in widespread load shedding.
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