The Power Division on Thursday assessed complaints of unusually high electricity bills issued in June 2026 and the prevailing load shedding across the country at a nationwide virtual meeting.
The meeting, conducted via Zoom, was chaired by Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh and attended by senior ministry officials, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs) from across the country, and representatives of electricity distribution utilities and companies.
During the meeting, officials sought to identify the reasons behind complaints of abnormally high electricity bills and gathered field-level feedback on load shedding. The latest progress on the installation of net meters under rooftop solar systems was also reviewed.
Officials noted that a significant number of electricity consumers complained through the media and social media about receiving unusually high bills for June.
The heads of the electricity distribution companies were asked to explain the situation.
When the power division secretary asked deputy commissioners whether they received complaints regarding excessive electricity bills, they said they did not receive any significant number of such complaints in their districts.
Mirana Mahrukh informed the meeting that distribution companies have already been instructed to resolve customers’ billing complaints promptly. Any clerical errors in billing should be corrected without delay, she said.
She also warned that if allegations of misconduct or malpractice against any officials or employees of the distribution utilities are proven, strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.
The meeting was informed that the Power Division has already urged consumers having complaints about excessive electricity bills to contact the respective electricity distribution companies directly or use their dedicated hotlines.
The central hotline of the Power Division is 16999, while the hotlines for the utilities are: Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) - 16200, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) - 16899, Bangladesh Power Development Company Limited (BPDCL) - 16116, Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) - 16120, Northern Electricity Supply Company Limited (NESCO) - 16603, and West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) - 16117.
The secretary also directed the distribution companies to investigate all complaints swiftly, ensure prompt resolution and further improve customer service.
The meeting also discussed the expansion of rooftop solar power systems at the district level.
Officials said all deputy commissioners are prepared to implement the relevant directives and reaffirmed their commitment to working sincerely to minimise public inconvenience.
