Energy-efficient fans could cut Bangladesh’s peak power demand by up to 2,590MW: IEEFA

From the report

A national programme backed by bulk procurement and carbon revenue could make the switch to energy-efficient BLDC fans affordable for low-income households

Household fans add up to 5,212 megawatts (MW) to Bangladesh’s summer power demand, with usage peaking around 9PM. On 27 August 2026, the country’s peak demand hit 19,027MW at 9PM. Replacing energy-inefficient fans with the energy-efficient brushless direct current (BLDC) models could cut peak demand by up to 2,590MW, according to a new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

Drawing on a survey of 435 households, grouped by monthly income, across 26 districts, the report titled ‘Household space cooling in Bangladesh: Role of energy-efficient fans’, authored by Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst-Bangladesh, IEEFA, explores the potential for energy savings from household fans. It finds that BLDC fans, which run at 35 watts (W) against 70W or more for energy-inefficient fans, make up only 1.4% of the fans in use. Households account for the largest share of Bangladesh’s grid electricity demand, with fans and air conditioners contributing significantly. The study finds that even low-income households use up to two fans in summer, adding to peak demand. However, high power demand at times results in loadshedding exceeding 3,500MW.