All is set at the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to increase power tariff by 21 to 26 percent, from today.
The BERC is also working to restructure the tariff slabs for domestic consumers from three categories now to seven, the regulatory agency sources confirmed. Some other sources said the number of slabs may vary from six to nine, the decision is at the finalization stage. The formal decision of the price hike and on slabs announcement may come after a week or more but the implementation of the new rates will be effective from today.
BERC officials said they would sit and discuss the pending issues including exactly what percentage of the price will be implemented this time. BERC had earlier said they would raise the tariff from October, but some sources around the regulators said they have to advance the date by one month to September 1 on pressure from the Prime Minister’s office.
Some insiders have also expressed dismay saying although BERC is an independent statutory body, they have in fact no authority to work independently. They work rather under constant instruction and even on pressure of the officials at the Prime Minister’s office. The decision to raise the power tariff to yet another height has been prompted this time by the government dependence on the release of IMF fund which the global monetary body is now providing to Bangladesh under a billion dollar balance of payment assistance.
New power tariff from today
Although the BERC agreed to raise power tariff once again which is the sixth time under the present government, it has also taken the move to restructure the existing slabs to bring relief to low income people from a phenomenal rise in power bills. However, the power division has raised its voice against BERC’s move to restructure the power slabs. They are opposed to creating more slabs, said a source.
“We are receiving a number of complaints against the existing slabs. So we are finalising the new slab to give relief to common people,” said a BERC official.
The new slabs and their price range will be as follows:
Consumers will have to pay Tk 4.56 for 0-75 units; Tk. 5.16 for 76-200 units; Tk. 5.45 for 201-300 units; Tk. 7.63 for 0-400 units; Tk. 5.66 for 0-500 units; Tk 7.98 for 0-600 units; Tk. 8.76 for 0-700 units; Tk. 9.35 for 0-800 units; and Tk 9.90 for 800+ units of consumption.
BERC @ rrajowan
