Power Cuts and Transformer Thefts Fuel Public Anger in Feni

Feni’s electricity supply system is facing growing pressure as frequent load-shedding is being compounded by a surge in transformer theft, leaving thousands of consumers vulnerable to prolonged power outages and financial losses.

At least 100 transformers have reportedly been stolen from different parts of Feni district between January and 10 August this year. The highest number of incidents has been recorded in Feni Sadar and Chhagalnaiya upazilas, where 58 and 36 transformers respectively have been taken. The remaining cases were reported in Parshuram, Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan. No transformer theft has been reported in Fulgazi during the period.

Officials of Feni Palli Bidyut Samity said the thefts have created an additional burden for consumers who are already struggling with load-shedding. When a transformer is stolen, restoring electricity often takes several days, leaving households, businesses and industrial establishments without power.

The consequences are particularly severe during periods of intense heat. Families are forced to endure prolonged outages, while shops and businesses face losses as refrigerated and other perishable goods deteriorate. Poultry farms and other enterprises that depend heavily on uninterrupted electricity are also among the worst affected.

The transformers are reportedly being targeted by organised thieves who operate mainly at night. After removing the equipment, the thieves dismantle it and extract valuable copper wires and coils from inside. The repeated incidents have raised concerns over the security of electrical infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas.

A recent incident in North Kuhuma village illustrates the impact on local residents. A 25-kilovolt-ampere transformer serving a mosque and 63 families was stolen three days before electricity was restored. According to local resident Ismail Mithun, consumers deposited Tk 81,000 with the electricity office to arrange for the installation of a replacement transformer. Power supply to the affected area was restored on Monday afternoon, 10 August.

Industrial consumers say the financial consequences extend well beyond the cost of replacing the equipment. Alাউddin, an industrial-meter customer, said businesses suffer substantial losses during the period between a transformer being stolen and a replacement being installed. Perishable products can become unusable, while poultry operators may face particularly heavy losses if ventilation, cooling and other essential electrical systems remain out of operation.

Feni Palli Bidyut Samity General Manager Muhammad Nurul Hossain said consumers are required to bear part or all of the replacement cost under the existing policy. If a transformer is stolen for the first time, consumers are required to pay half of its value. In the event of a second theft, they must bear the full cost.

The authorities are also taking steps to tackle the thefts. Cases are being filed with the police following incidents, while public announcements are being made to raise awareness among consumers and encourage them to remain vigilant.

Feni Superintendent of Police Pratyush Kumar Majumder said several cases had been filed at different police stations over transformer thefts. A number of suspects had already been arrested, while stolen wires had also been recovered. He described the thefts as the work of an organised group and said police operations against the network were continuing.

The scale of the problem has placed an added strain on an electricity system already affected by outages. For consumers, the issue is therefore not simply the loss of a transformer; each theft can mean days without electricity, additional financial liability and disruption to household life, commerce and production.