BERC rolls back electricity price hikes for lifeline, marginal consumers

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission - BERC

Dhaka, June 4 – The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Thursday restored electricity tariffs for lifeline and marginal consumers to their previous levels, a day after announcing a tariff hike, following government intervention and appeals from state-owned power utilities.

The decision means that residential consumers falling under the first two usage slabs, those consuming up to 50 units and up to 75 units of electricity per month, will continue to pay bills at the previous tariff rates.

According to official sources, the government felt that the tariff increase announced by BERC on Wednesday did not reflect the proposals submitted by the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and other public power distribution companies.

The government also observed that the commission’s decision was inconsistent with its policy of protecting poor and low-income consumers from additional financial burdens.

In response, BPDB on Thursday morning formally appealed to BERC to reconsider the decision and maintain existing electricity tariffs for lifeline and marginal consumers.

Other state-owned power distribution companies also submitted proposals to the commission, urging it not to increase electricity tariffs for these categories of consumers.

The Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources separately requested BERC to restore electricity tariffs for lifeline and marginal consumers to their previous levels.

Following these appeals and government recommendations, BERC revised its earlier decision and reinstated the previous tariff rates for the affected consumer groups.

Officials said the move was taken in line with public expectations and the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of low-income households amid prevailing economic challenges.

The commission’s latest decision is expected to provide relief to millions of residential consumers who fall within the lifeline and marginal consumption categories. - UNB