HFO-Based IPPs Cannot Operate Unless Dues Are Paid

Investment in power generation is not an offense.

- David Hasanat

We, the private sector entrepreneurs investing in power generation under government policies, generate and supply power alongside other businesses. We supply power at comparatively lower prices than foreign companies. Hence it is not fair to blame us as partners of money plundering of the immediate past government. However, if any entrepreneurs have unfairly exploited the provisions of the government policy, they may be taken to task by fairly establishing their faults. On the other hand, local private sector entrepreneurs are on the verge of turning bankrupt from not getting paid for the power supplies for a long time. Furnace oil-based power plants cannot continue to operate during the ensuing summer unless the entrepreneurs are paid at least 50% of the outstanding bills within 10 days.

David Hasanat, President of Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA) and Chairman of Midland Power, said this in an exclusive interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy & Power magazine.

Irrigation, Ramadan, and summer are forthcoming. IPPs have a significant role during this period. How prepared are you for this?

Entrepreneurs have their back to the wall now. But summer is knocking at the door, power demand will significantly increase for irrigation and Ramadan. There is no alternative but to keep the private sector furnace oilbased power plants in operation. However, IPPs cannot keep plants in operation as they have not been paid for the power supplied over the past several months. We have been asking for the bills since November 2024.