The Power Division has requested the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to review the newly revised electricity tariff, citing concerns over its impact on marginal “lifeline” consumers.
In a letter sent Thursday, the division said the tariff schedule approved by BERC after public hearings on 20-21 May did not reflect the proposal submitted by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) on 3 May for lifeline customers.
The division noted that under the revised rates, low‑income and lower‑middle‑income households would face significantly higher electricity costs, potentially affecting their standard of living.
It stressed that the government has taken all possible measures to improve living conditions for these groups, and the tariff adjustment is inconsistent with that policy.
BERC had earlier re‑fixed bulk, transmission and retail power tariffs under sections 22(b) and 34 of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, following proposals from distribution companies.
The Power Division said it expects BERC to take prompt steps to align the tariff with the government’s policy for lifeline consumers.
