West Zone Power Distribution Company seeks police protection in Gopalganj amid severe power cuts and fears of public backlash
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GOPALGANJ — The West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) has requested police protection for its facilities and personnel in Gopalganj amid severe, frequent power outages that have sparked growing public unrest.
Executive Engineer Main Uddin, representing WZPDCL, sent a formal letter to the district Superintendent of Police on Tuesday, requesting increased security and regular police patrols at power stations and offices. The utility company cited concerns that frustrated residents, subjected to rolling blackouts as frequent as every hour in some areas, may target company infrastructure or staff.
According to the letter, WZPDCL relies on two 33/11 KV substations in the municipality and the Charpathalia area to distribute electricity. However, a significant shortfall in the national grid’s allocation has forced the company to implement widespread load-shedding to manage the supply deficit.
Main Uddin explained that the local demand fluctuates between 12 and 14 megawatts during the day and rises to nearly 18 megawatts at night. Against this requirement, the company is only receiving approximately 9 megawatts during daylight hours and between 12 and 14 megawatts at night. Efforts are being made to prioritize hospitals and educational institutions currently conducting examinations, which further compounds the power supply instability in residential areas.
“We do not generate power; we only distribute what is allocated from the national grid,” Main Uddin stated, noting that previous grid maintenance work had also required lengthy power cuts. “We are concerned that the public may become hostile, potentially leading to attacks on our offices, substations, or employees.”
Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Habibullah confirmed that while he had not yet received the formal request, he would issue directives for necessary security measures once the letter is processed.
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