The power distribution companies have submitted a report to the task force identifying those involved in preparing inflated electricity bills.
The investigation was recently launched based on nationwide complaints received from clients who received copies of bills which did not match actual consumption of electricity.
The details of those involved in such ‘inflated’ copies of bills would be officially announced on Sunday, according to a power division official.
Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the government decided not to impose any fine on the delayed electricity bill payment from February to June. However, a number of customers complained about the preparation of inflated electricity bills against the power distribution companies in the last 3-4 months. Many have already paid the extra bill to avoid hassle.
To probe into the allegations, the power division had formed a task force on June 25 in the wake of nationwide criticism over the overstated electricity bills. The power distribution companies were instructed to submit investigation reports within seven days.
According to sources, about one lakh customers have contacted the power distribution company for having received bills which they claimed were overstated. Although many of these problems have been solved, most of the customers have not got any solution yet.
Complaints are less in Palli Bidyut Shamity under REB considering the number of customers. On the other hand, more complaints have been received against DPDC and DESCO, two distribution companies in Dhaka.
But beyond that, millions of people have received ghost electricity bills. The power division has instructed to find the problem.
Several sources said that the problem was triggered by meter readers as they made bills based on assumptions without making visits to the clients’ homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
Engineer Bikash Dewan, Managing Director of Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) told The Bangladesh Post, “After getting the probe committee report, we have already submitted it to ministry on Thursday.”
“We have already adjusted the additional electricity bill. Even then, if anyone has a complaint about the extra bill, they can go to our website and let us know. Anyone can mail me if he wants. If we have a valid complaint then bills will be adjusted,” he said.
When contact, Engineer Mohammad Hossain, Director General of Power Cell told Bangladesh Post, “We are working about the issue. We will disclose about the irregularities next Sunday at a press conference.”
An official said, “The allegation of harassing customers with exaggerated bills against the distribution company was nothing new. That is why we are trying to solve this problem forever. We are considering finding ways to eliminate customer harassment in the future. Therefore, a way is being sought to bring those responsible under accountability.”
Based on the customers' complaints, the power division said in a press release that those who received extra bills from the actual bills will be adjusted in future. The notification also requested the customers not to be worried about the matter.
However, aggrieved customers said meter readers never visit their homes and make the bills.
In most cases, they hardly pay any heed to customers' complaints. Moreover, they misbehave with the people, complained several customers.
Earlier the State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the inflated bills would be adjusted later after verifying the customers' complaints. There is no reason to worry about this.
He also said, “Any complaint regarding electricity bill can be made directly by visiting the website of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (www.mpemr.gov.bd) or the customer can contact his nearest power distribution company office.
There is also an opportunity to inform directly to the minister’s mobile via SMS or e-mail (hm@mpemr.gov.bd). Complaints can also be made by contacting the focal persons of the concerned distribution company.”
