Bangladesh on Tuesday directed most users to switch off their airconditioners for five hours during the evening in a move to save up to 500 megawatts of electricity a day as it grapples chronic power shortages. The country faces daily shortages of up to 1,400 MW of electricity and more than 300 million cubic feet of gas.
"We have asked AC users to abide by the directive or to face punishment," said Syed Yusuf Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). "The decision will be applicable to all households, public and private offices, businesses, shopping malls and shops except for hospitals, hotels and restaurants from 6 pm to 11 pm," Hossain told a news conference. The authorities also decided to disconnect electricity if any consumer was found defying the order.