Electricity prices have been raised at both the wholesale and retail levels across the country. Under the new decision, wholesale electricity prices have been increased by 19.85 %, while prices at the consumer level have seen an average hike of 16.68 %.

Simultaneously, electricity transmission charges have been increased by 23.96 %.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed made the announcement at a press conference today (Wednesday). The new tariff rates will come into effect from this month of June.

Under the new tariff structure, prices have been increased at varying rates for different categories of electricity users at the consumer level.

The hike ranges from a minimum of 15 % for ‘lifeline’ consumers to a maximum of 19.94 % for other categories. The average retail price of electricity has been set at Tk 10.63 per unit, marking an increase of Tk 1.52. Meanwhile, the wholesale electricity rate has been hiked by Tk 1.39 per unit.

Stakeholders indicate that this price adjustment was made to offset the rising costs of power generation and supply, and to alleviate the financial pressures facing the sector.

However, the new tariff hike will drive up electricity expenses across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, which is likely to impact overall living expenses and production costs.

During BERC’s public hearings held on April 20 and 21, the country’s six electricity distribution companies had proposed retail price hikes ranging from 85 paisa to Tk 2.05 per unit. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) had proposed an 85 paisa hike, while the Rural Electrification Board (REB) sought an increase of Tk 1.77. The Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) proposed a Tk 1.54 hike, DESCO Tk 1.98, West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) Tk 1.39, and Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) proposed an increase of Tk 2.05.