The Power Division on Monday directed electricity distribution companies to investigate complaints of unusually high electricity bills issued for June and take necessary measures to address the problem.
"There have been allegations of excessive billing at the consumer level during June 2026. To address consumer harassment, the distribution agencies and companies have already been instructed to monitor the matter closely and take necessary remedial action," the Power Division said in a statement.
The division also urged affected consumers to contact their respective distribution agencies or use designated helplines to report any billing anomalies.
The hotline numbers are: Power Division Central Service (16999), Bangladesh Power Development Board (16200), Power Grid Bangladesh PLC (16899), Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (16116), Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd (16120), Northern Electricity Supply Company (16603) and West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (16117).
The directive comes as the national grid is facing severe load-shedding amid a fuel crisis, while electricity tariffs were increased by nearly 16.68 per cent from June 1.
Distribution companies, including DPDC, DESCO, NESCO, WZPDCO and the Rural Electrification Board (REB), have reportedly been asked to submit compliance reports within a stipulated timeframe.
The ministry's directive is expected to bring some relief to the country's 55 lakh prepaid meter consumers, who are also awaiting the withdrawal of monthly meter rents despite earlier government announcements.
When contacted, officials of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) declined to comment, saying the matter rests with the distribution utilities.
Consumer rights groups welcomed the move but urged the government to ensure prompt action.
"Investigations are meaningless without restitution. The government must ensure that overcharged consumers receive adjustments in their next bills," a representative of a consumer advocacy platform said.
