The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has recommended amendments to power sector agreements to reduce subsidies, advocating for a "No Electricity, No Pay" policy.
The CPD also advised the government to adopt a 100-day special action plan to ensure the continuation of ongoing development projects in the power and energy sector.
These proposals were presented at a press conference titled “Power and Energy Sector Reform CPD,” held at the CPD office in Dhanmondi on Sunday.
During the event, CPD’s Research Director, Khandakar Ghulam Moazzem, presented a keynote on the power and energy sector, offering 17 reform proposals.
Moazzem emphasized the need for the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to operate independently to enhance accountability in the energy and power sectors.
He also highlighted the importance of increasing the use of renewable energy, suggesting that various organizations within the sector should lead the transition away from fossil fuels.
He proposed enhancing the capacity of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) and suggested that Sreda be linked to the Prime Minister's or Chief Advisor's office for greater influence.
Regarding future energy needs, Moazzem projected that by 2041, electricity demand could reach 27,000 MW, with a reserve margin of 35,000MW. However, the current Power Sector Master Plan targets 58,000MW, which he argued is unrealistic and should be revised.
Additionally, the CPD recommended re-auditing the financial reports of key organizations in the electricity and energy sector, including the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB), Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), and RPGCL.
The CPD also called for the establishment of modern laboratories and institutions for renewable energy research, alongside organizing more public awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops.
They stressed the importance of transparency and public accountability to combat corruption in the power and energy sector, urging collaboration between government and private sector organizations.
