Following Eid-ul-Azha, electricity consumers in the country are expected to face increased costs as the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) is preparing to announce revised retail electricity tariffs. According to relevant sources, the average tariff increase may reach up to 20 per cent, with the new pricing structure expected to take effect from June.
However, the ‘lifeline’ category for low-income consumers will remain unchanged. Customers using between zero and 75 units of electricity will continue to receive the existing tariff benefits.
A BERC official stated that all preparations for tariff adjustment were completed ahead of the Eid holiday period, with only the formal announcement remaining. The revised rates are planned to be implemented from June.
Sources further indicate that the adjustment process is being undertaken as part of conditions linked to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In line with this, a cabinet committee led by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was formed two months ago. The committee recommended an increase in electricity prices ranging from Tk 1.00 to Tk 1.50 per unit and advised that the pricing be finalised through BERC procedures.
Earlier, BERC conducted a two-day public hearing on 20 and 21 April regarding the proposed tariff adjustment. During the hearing, six electricity distribution companies submitted proposals for tariff increases ranging from 85 paisa to Tk 2.05 per unit.
Proposed Tariff Increase by Distribution Companies
| Distribution Company | Proposed Increase per Unit |
|---|---|
| PDB | Tk 0.85 |
| REB | Tk 1.77 |
| DPDC | Tk 1.54 |
| DESCO | Tk 1.98 |
| WZPDCL | Tk 1.39 |
| NESCO | Tk 2.05 |
In addition, BERC’s technical committee has recommended an average increase of Tk 1.25 per unit across distribution companies. According to sources, the Commission may ultimately approve this recommendation.
A BERC commissioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that all stakeholders’ opinions are being considered before a final decision is made. However, he indicated that the increase is unlikely to be less than Tk 1 per unit.
He also noted that the revised tariff structure will be applied on a tiered basis. Consumers using up to 200 units will face a relatively lower increase, while those consuming between 200–400 units and 400–600 units will see progressively higher adjustments. The highest increase will apply to consumers using more than 600 units of electricity per month.