All power distribution companies in the country have proposed raising electricity prices at the consumer level, prompting the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to schedule public hearings on May 20 and 21.
BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday night.
He said the commission had earlier received proposals from the Power Development Board (PDB) to increase both wholesale and retail electricity tariffs. Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCo) submitted its proposal on Tuesday, while the remaining distribution companies submitted theirs on Wednesday, leading BERC to fix the hearing dates.
He said all distribution companies sought retail tariff increases in line with the wholesale hike proposed by the PDB.
According to BERC sources, the proposal was sent to the commission after receiving policy approval from the Power Division. The PDB later finalised its wholesale tariff proposal, seeking an increase of Tk 1.20 to Tk 1.50 per unit, which could be reflected proportionately in retail prices.
However, “lifeline” consumers—those using 70 to 75 units of electricity—may be shielded from the immediate impact of the proposed hike, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) has proposed an additional 16 paisa per unit as a transmission charge.
The last electricity tariff hike came in February 2024, when wholesale prices rose by around 5% and retail prices by an average of 8%.
Currently, the average retail electricity price stands at Tk 8.95 per unit, while the wholesale rate is Tk 7.04 per unit.
Given that previous tariff revision proposals placed before BERC have often resulted in price increases after public hearings, another hike appears likely.