Power Division admits clerical errors, says higher June bills driven by new tariff, heavy usage

Highlights:

• Power Division says June bill surge primarily driven by new Berc tariffs and increased domestic consumption.
• The power authority admitted to minor clerical errors in some instances, confirming they are being audited and corrected.
• Under the PM's instructions, distribution companies have already resolved the vast majority of complaints.
• Power Division rejected claims of technical meter faults.
• Electricity meters operate on same mathematical systems as before.
• Domestic power demand surged due to extreme heat, low rainfall, Eid-ul-Azha, football World Cup, and SSC and HSC exams.
• Late payment fees now a one-time flat rate of 5% on the total bill, replacing the old 2% compound monthly rate.
• Monthly meter fees only apply to installment buyers, govt currently reviewing the system.

The Power Division today (6 July) clarified that the recent surge in June electricity bills is primarily due to the implementation of a new tariff structure and a sharp rise in domestic power consumption, while acknowledging that minor clerical mistakes contributed to a few disputed bills.

The clarification came through an official statement from the Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh regarding public concerns and media reports over sudden spikes in June 2026 electricity bills.

The Power Division stated that following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is constantly monitoring the situation, distribution companies have already resolved the vast majority of consumer complaints.

Strict administrative action has also been ordered against any official found negligent or harassing consumers, the statement read.

According to the statement, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (Berc) implemented a new electricity tariff effective from June this year. This price adjustment means pre-paid consumers receive fewer units for the same recharge amount, forcing more frequent recharges and creating an impression of abnormal deductions.

The Power Division dismissed claims of technical glitches in prepaid meters, noting that the meters operated on the same mathematical and technological systems in previous months and could not suddenly malfunction precisely when the new tariff took effect.

The energy authority emphasised that increased consumption pushed many residential consumers into higher billing brackets, particularly the highest slab for usage exceeding 600 units.

The surge in national power demand and household appliance usage – such as air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators – was driven by low rainfall, intense summer temperatures, the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the ongoing football World Cup, and the HSC and equivalent examinations.

A significant rise in the use of refrigerators, televisions, rice cookers, and electric kettles was also recorded in rural areas.

While the Power Division admitted that minor clerical errors occurred in some instances, it confirmed that these are being audited and corrected immediately.

The government continues to provide subsidies to cushion consumers from the full impact of production costs, it added.

Regarding other consumer concerns, the Power Division stated that late payment fees are charged at a one-time flat rate of 5% on the total bill, rather than the previous 2% compound monthly rate, in line with Berc directives.

Addressing allegations regarding meter rents, the statement clarified that monthly fees of Tk40 for single-phase meters and Tk250 for three-phase meters are only collected from consumers who opted to pay for their meters in instalments rather than a one-time purchase.

Four out of six distribution companies also allow consumers to buy approved prepaid meters directly from the open market. The government is currently reviewing the meter rent system and will announce a decision soon, the written presser added.

The Power Division urged journalists and social media content creators to verify billing rules and data to foster transparency, while warning citizens not to damage state power installations based on rumours or emotional responses.