Power advisor warns of consequences if AC temperature is set below 25°C during Ramadan

To address the power crisis during Ramadan, Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has issued a directive stating that air conditioners in government offices, banks, homes, and mosques should not be set below 25°C.

• A special monitoring team from the Power Division will oversee adherence to this rule, and legal actions will be taken against those who violate it. He made this announcement to reporters following a session at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Monday.

• Fouzul mentioned that discussions with the DCs focused on road repairs, electricity, energy, and railways. He stressed the country's financial challenges, explaining: “We inherited an economy in a ditch. In 2021, reserves stood at $42 billion. We inherited only $20 billion — the rest was laundered.”

• He assured that all efforts would be made to avoid load shedding during Ramadan.

• “Electricity is wasted in many sectors, and steps are being taken to address this. An additional 2,000 megawatts will be needed for irrigation. Also, lights and fans in mosques stay on after Tarawih prayers. Imams and muezzins will be instructed to turn them off,” he added.

• The adviser also emphasized that the push to conserve electricity would begin at the Secretariat. “Electricity should not be wasted by keeping fans and lights on unnecessarily. A dedicated team will monitor electricity usage throughout Ramadan, and legal action will be taken against those who fail to follow the rules.”