Residents of Shibchar upazila in Madaripur are facing severe load-shedding, with some areas reportedly without electricity for 12 to 14 hours over recent days. Repeated daytime outages and prolonged nighttime disruptions have intensified hardship during hot weather, particularly for children, older people and those who are ill. Consumers have also complained of unusually high electricity bills in June and July despite what they describe as normal or lower usage.

Shibchar Palli Bidyut office said daytime demand is about 28 megawatts while supply is 12 megawatts. At night, demand rises to about 35 megawatts but supply reaches 17 megawatts, requiring rotational outages. Electricity-dependent businesses, including clinics, diagnostic centres, computer and photocopy services, mobile servicing and refrigeration-based operations, have reported disruptions and added generator fuel costs.

Battery-powered van and easy-bike drivers say inadequate overnight charging has reduced their earnings. Residents also report problems charging phones, operating water pumps and preserving food. Junior Engineer Jahirul Haque said supply is less than half of demand and said complaints about higher bills would be investigated, while conditions would improve if power supply increases.