An energy saving program for bangladesh, for reducing load shedding, and for continuity of power for IT sector

The success of computers, IT, and telecommunications hinges greatly on the inexpensive and uninterrupted availability of power. Even with the gradual depletion of fossil fuel, and the rise in fuel prices, there has been insufficient effort towards saving electricity and making the most of remaining fuel reserves. It is time to adopt energy saving programs in Bangladesh, creating awareness that extravagant consumption is detrimental to national, global, and long-term interests. Such energy saving programs have been implemented to various extents in countries like Brazil, Norway, New Zealand, and the USA. With its high population density, low development, poor economic infrastructure, and dynamic river network, Bangladesh provides a unique backdrop to an Energy Saving programs. Such a program should reduce load-shedding, distribute electricity among more users, and divert electricity to productive uses like irrigating fields and preventing manufacturing stoppage. Continuity of electricity would also save our huge investment in generators and UPS equipment. An energy saving program should be well-understood and researched by policymakers and experts. An important part of such a program should be changing consumer behavior, such as turning off appliances when not in use. Power-hungry air-coolers develop acclimatization and dependence in users, who then perceive normal outside temperatures as uncomfortable. Low-power alternatives to air-coolers are ceiling fans and ventilator fans on walls. LED lights, compact fluorescent lamps, and IT and telecommunications are to be promoted as efficient uses of electricity. Urban sprawl to distant suburbs should be contained in favor of compact townships, which are better adapted to buses. Buses should be promoted over smaller cars, which should be promoted over larger hungry cars and SUVs. This paper pursues such common sense approaches, together with recommendations by experts, and implementation by policymakers.