Solar minigrid entrepreneurs demand reasonable compensation

By setting up solar minigrids in remote char areas of the country for 20 years, the private sector businessmen are playing a role in the economic establishment of the marginalized people. Prior to the installation of these minigrids, the Rural Electrification Board (REB) and the Power Development Board (PDB) had issued NOCs stating that they would not take up any project in these areas. But after 2/3 years, these two companies have started providing electricity connection there. There have also been incidents of installing two meters in the same house. Huge amount of money is being wasted. Minigrid entrepreneurs are facing losses.

In this situation, the entrepreneurs of these projects want reasonable compensation. Entrepreneurs have demanded that either their electricity be bought at a reasonable price or the entire project be bought by the government.।

Leaders of the Sola Minigrid Association made the demand at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity’s Nasrul Hamid Auditorium in the capital’s Segunbagicha on Tuesday. DM Mojibur Rahman, president of the association, gave a written statement at the time. He said REB and PDB are currently operating in 17 out of 26 solar minigrids. In this regard, they started electrification in the solar minigrid area without any discussion with the entrepreneurs and without paying any attention to the previous clearance and provided electricity by placing their meters next to the meter of the customer of the solar minigrid.

Sunbd/NJ