Tk 1.35 billion unpaid power bills deepen energy strain

A severe electricity crisis marked by "acute" load shedding has left consumers frustrated across the Cumilla region, while authorities grapple with a mounting backlog of unpaid bills across six districts, reports bdnews24.com.
Chandpur municipality alone leads the list with Tk 190 million in unpaid bills, followed by Cumilla City Corporation with Tk 70 million.
Officials said the combined outstanding dues of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) and the Rural Electrification Board in the Cumilla zone stand at Tk 1.35 billion.
Of that, Tk 580 million is current monthly arrears and Tk 770 million is long-term dues.
Much of the longstanding debt is owed by state-run public service institutions.
Chief Engineer of PDB Cumilla distribution zone Sheikh Firoz Kabir said the region covers Cumilla, Noakhali, Feni, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur and Lakshmipur, with around 590,000 postpaid customers.
Lakshmipur municipality owes over Tk 20 million, while Bangladesh Railways in Cumilla and Brahmanbaria has Tk 8.6 million in longstanding arrears.
Officials said regular monthly arrears are often cleared when bills arrive, but quickly accumulate again.