Electricity generation at the Karnphuli Hydrpower Plant in Kaptai has declined significantly due to a fall in water levels in Kaptai Lake, with four out of five units now shut down, officials said on Wednesday.
At present, only one unit of the plant is in operation, producing around 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity, compared to its maximum generation capacity of 230 MW from all five units.
Plant Manager and Executive Engineer Mahmud Hasan said water levels in Kaptai Lake continue to drop during the dry season, directly affecting hydroelectric production.
He said that as of 9: 00am on Wednesday, only Unit-2 was in operation, generating 40 MW of electricity.
According to the rule curve, the water level of Kaptai Lake is supposed to remain at 83.80 feet mean sea level (MSL) but it stood at 77.47 feet MSL at 9: 00am on Wednesday, he added.
Engineers at the plant’s control room said that in recent weeks, two units were kept operational, but due to the rapid fall in water levels, operations have now been reduced to a single unit.
They said the situation is likely to persist until rainfall increases and water levels in the lake rise again.