Electricity generation at the Kaptai hydropower plant has fallen sharply due to low water levels in Kaptai Lake, forcing four out of five generating units to shut down, highlighting growing pressure on Bangladesh’s power supply system.
Officials said the plant, part of the Karnaphuli Hydropower complex, is now producing only around 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity, compared with its full capacity of 230 MW when all units are operational.
Plant Manager and Executive Engineer Mahmud Hasan said water levels in Kaptai Lake continue to decline during the dry season, directly affecting hydroelectric generation. He said that as of 9:00am on Wednesday, only Unit-2 was in operation, producing 40 MW.
He added that the lake’s water level should remain at 83.80 feet mean sea level (MSL) according to the rule curve but had dropped to 77.47 feet MSL at the same time on Wednesday.
Engineers at the plant’s control room said two units had been running in recent weeks, but falling water levels forced a further reduction to a single operational unit.
They warned that the situation is likely to continue until rainfall increases and the lake’s water level recovers, raising concerns over seasonal power shortages and increased pressure on the national grid.
