BERC technical panel suggests 4.84pc rise
The technical evaluation committee of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission yesterday recommended increasing power prices by 4.84 percent at retail level to reduce subsidy burden on the state-run electricity distribution company.
The recommendation came after a public hearing on Power Development Board's November 11 proposal to the commission for hiking electricity prices by 9.59 percent.
“The technical committee recommended the hike after evaluating the arguments of both parties in the hearing,” said newly-appointed BERC Chairman Mohammad Imdadul Haque.
He said if power prices are increased in line with the committee's recommendation, it will eventually add to the sufferings of common people, especially farmers in the next Boro season.
But it will be difficult for the PDB to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply if power prices are not increased to reduce its losses, he said.
“That is why the committee recommended a power price hike, which is rational.” And the BERC will give its decision soon, said Haque.
Earlier, the present government increased power prices for the sixth time from September 1 by 15 percent at retail level.
Source: The Daily Star
