The Power Division on Monday attributed the recent spike in June electricity bills primarily to the implementation of a new tariff structure and a sharp rise in household power consumption, while admitting that a small number of bills contained clerical errors.
Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh made the remarks at a press briefing at Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka amid public concern and media reports over unusually high electricity bills.
She said the new tariff introduced by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), coupled with increased electricity consumption, was the main reason behind the higher bills.
"Yes, there were some minor clerical errors in a few cases, but under the Prime Minister's instructions, distribution companies have already resolved the vast majority of consumer complaints," she said.
According to the Power Division, many residential consumers moved into higher tariff slabs, particularly the highest slab for monthly consumption exceeding 600 units, due to increased electricity use.
It attributed the higher consumption to intense summer heat, below-average rainfall, the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the ongoing FIFA World Cup and the HSC and equivalent examinations, all of which led to greater use of air conditioners, fans, refrigerators and other household appliances.
Increased use of electrical appliances was also recorded in rural areas.
Rejecting allegations of widespread technical faults in electricity meters, the division said the meters continue to operate using the same measurement system as before.
The Power Division also clarified that, in line with BERC directives, the previous 2 per cent monthly compound surcharge for late payments has been replaced with a one-time flat late fee of 5 per cent on the total bill.
On meter charges, Mahrukh said consumers who purchased meters outright do not pay any monthly fee. Those who opted for instalment plans pay Tk40 a month for single-phase meters and Tk250 for three-phase meters. Four of the country's six power distribution companies also allow consumers to purchase approved prepaid meters directly from the open market.
She said the government is reviewing the existing meter rent system following public requests and will announce a decision soon.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources State Minister Anindya Islam said the current government is dealing with the financial burden created by what he described as "unethical" power purchase agreements signed by the previous government, including capacity payments for around 12,000 megawatts of surplus electricity generation.
He added that the government has begun reviewing tariffs under several private power plant agreements. Mahrukh urged media outlets to verify consumer complaints before publishing reports, saying internal investigations found that some reports on electricity bills were based on inaccurate information. She also said strict administrative action would be taken against any official found negligent or guilty of harassing consumers and reiterated that the government continues to subsidise electricity to shield consumers from the full cost of power generation.
