Load Shedding in Bangladesh: A Simple Guide

Not every power cut is the same. Knowing which kind you have tells you whether to wait, check a schedule or call your utility.

Load shedding (লোডশেডিং)

When the country cannot generate as much electricity as people use – in summer heat, or when gas and fuel for power plants are short – the national grid gives each utility a quota. The utility then switches feeders off in turn, usually for an hour at a time. Some utilities publish an area-wise schedule; when they do, it is linked from our load-shedding schedule page.

Planned shutdown (বিদ্যুৎ সরবরাহ বন্ধ)

Utilities switch an area off for a few hours to repair lines, replace poles or transformers, cut tree branches or connect new substations. These are announced a day or two ahead on the utility’s website, Facebook page, by miking (loudspeaker) or SMS. We read the website notices automatically and show them on the map.

Fault (unplanned power cut)

A storm, a burnt transformer, a tripped feeder or a cut cable. If your area is not on a schedule and neighbours report the same on this site, call your utility’s hotline or 16999 and give your customer/account number and location.

Tips during load shedding

• Keep phones and power banks charged; an IPS or a rechargeable fan and light help through evening load shedding (see our IPS backup calculator).
• Keep the fridge door closed – food stays cold for about 4 hours.
• Switch off ACs, pumps and irons so the line is not overloaded when the power returns.
• Use water pumps outside load-shedding hours so the tank stays full.