Increased power tariffs
Friday, 19 March 2010
THE Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has increased the electricity rate by 6 to 7 per cent on an average effective from 1st March 2010. The BERC, which is headed by a non-technical man, has preferred to hit the consumers first. The electricity consumers are already vexed with the erratic supply of power.
BERC instead of streamlining distribution and improving the loadshedding situation has imposed an added burden on the consumers. The BERC has also clearly said that the increase of rate of power tariffs does not ensure any improvement in power supply.
The consumers shall have to pay twice. Once as a domestic consumer. Secondly, the traders and industrialists will use the present enhancement of electricity rates to increase the prices of their products. The prices of essentials like atta, rice and oil will increase.
Mahbubul Haque Chowdhury
Former General Manager,
NCB, Dhaka-1205
BERC instead of streamlining distribution and improving the loadshedding situation has imposed an added burden on the consumers. The BERC has also clearly said that the increase of rate of power tariffs does not ensure any improvement in power supply.
The consumers shall have to pay twice. Once as a domestic consumer. Secondly, the traders and industrialists will use the present enhancement of electricity rates to increase the prices of their products. The prices of essentials like atta, rice and oil will increase.
Mahbubul Haque Chowdhury
Former General Manager,
NCB, Dhaka-1205