A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking direction to review billing practices and reform policies, alleging excessive and hidden charges to consumers despite the introduction of prepaid electricity meters.
Advocate Abdullah Al Hadi filed this writ on behalf of Supreme Court lawyers Advocate AM Jamiul Haque Faisal, Kamrul Hasan Regan and Zakir Haider on Thursday (June 6).
The writ has demanded urgent review and audit of electricity billing practices, transparency, refund of excess charges, public communication and policy reforms. In this, the authorities of Energy and Power Secretary, Power Grid Company Bangladesh Chairman, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, Bangladesh Power Development Board, Bangladesh Rural Development Board, DESCO, West Zone Power Distribution Company, Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) and DPDC were made defendants.
Earlier, on May 21, a legal notice was sent demanding a review of billing practices, alleging that consumers were being charged extra and hidden charges despite prepaid electricity meters. The notice requested to take necessary action in the matter by May 26. In case of violation, action will be taken.
The lawyer said that despite the introduction of prepaid electricity meters, consumers are facing inconvenience due to various reasons including excess charges, hidden charges and lack of transparency. The problems have led to widespread discontent and financial hardship. But no action has been taken yet. In this situation, notices have been sent demanding urgent review and audit of billing practices, transparency, refund of excess charges, public communication and policy reforms.
He said that prepaid electricity meters have been introduced in Bangladesh. It is announced that by 2025 all electricity users will be covered. But despite its benefits, consumers are facing difficulties due to various factors including overcharges, hidden charges and lack of transparency. These problems have caused widespread dissatisfaction and financial hardship. Media reports on this have been published. But no effective action has been taken so far. A legal notice is sent for this.
FH/MAH/JIM
