The High Court has issued a ruling questioning why instructions should not be given to conduct an impartial investigation into complaints related to electricity billing practices, transparency, and the refund of excess charges.
The High Court bench comprising Justice Md Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolan issued the order after hearing a writ petition on Tuesday.
The defendants in the case have been asked to respond to this ruling.
Earlier, legal notices were sent demanding an urgent review and audit of electricity billing practices, transparency, refund of excess charges, public communication, and policy reforms.
The notices were sent to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, the Bangladesh Power Development Board, the Bangladesh Rural Development Board, DESCO, the West Zone Power Distribution Company, the Northern Electricity Supply Company, and DPDC.
Despite the introduction of prepaid meters, consumers are facing inconvenience due to various issues, including excess charges, hidden fees, and a lack of transparency, the notice mentioned.
These problems have led to widespread discontent and financial hardship. Yet, no action has been taken so far. In this situation, there is an urgent need for a review and audit of billing practices, transparency, refund of excess charges, public communication, and policy reforms.
Price of imported electricity meters to riseThe notice also mentioned that while prepaid meters have been introduced in Bangladesh, with the aim of covering all electricity users by 2025, consumers still suffer from overcharges, hidden fees, and a lack of transparency.
The notice requested the authorities to take necessary action on the matter by May 26, warning that necessary legal action would be taken in case of non-compliance.
