Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has directed different power distribution companies not to collect any additional charge from the consumers without its approval. In this regard, BERC issued a directive to the power distribution companies on February 27. Electricity users regularly allege that power distributors collect various additional charges showing many causes.
As a result, they are paying money in addition to their electricity bills. Contacted, Prof Shamsul Alam, energy adviser of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said, “The commission has issued such directives earlier also, but the malpractice has not stopped at all. So, BERC must identify who is collecting additional charges. The commission also should take action against them immediately. We want to get rid of those abnormal charges.”
Mentionable, earlier on November 23, 2017, BERC directed the distribution agencies and companies to refund the deposit of the consumers who had their prepaid meters replaced. But, most of the agencies and companies could not reach a consensus on how to do that as yet. BERC directive clearly stated that the consumers applying for a new connection will not have to pay a deposit for meters and those who have already replaced their postpaid meters with prepaid ones will get their deposit back.
The energy regulatory body also added that consumers, who are able to purchase their meter at a one-time cost, must not be charged monthly instalments. Some consumers alleged that they are paying higher electricity bills after using the prepaid meters. The power distribution companies collect a certain amount of money each month for meter rental, which has increased four times.
They also alleged, it was deducting a certain amount of money during the recharging time. Beyond that, if there occurs any electric fault in the consumers end for distribution of electricity, the officials and employees of the distribution company demand extra money. Even though the distribution company has set a legal charge, there are allegations of overcharging.
Some consumers complained to high officials, but they did not get remedy and finally took the allegations to CAB. The CAB also submitted the allegations to the BERC. CAB said, if any domestic users use 10 units of electricity in a month then his electricity bill will be taka 63 (consider per unit charge at taka 3.50 with demand charge at taka 25 and vat at taka 3).
There is no chance to collect additional money from the consumers. However, it was alleged that the distribution companies collected extra money using the name of agent commission, interest against emergency balance, rental charge for main meter connection, to open meter lock and such various types of issues. This is increasing dissatisfaction among consumers. The commission ordered that the distribution companies could take only the demand charge along with electricity bill.