Legal action for spreading 'false information' on excess electricity bills: Power Division

The Power Division has warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals or groups responsible for spreading 'false information' or misinformation about excess electricity bills without evidence.

In a press release on Monday, the division said that some individuals and groups have been spreading propaganda regarding excess electricity bills recently. It claimed that most of such complaints have already been verified and settled by the Power Division and concerned distribution companies.

The Power Division said that if any consumer complains about an excess bill, they must apply to the concerned distribution company with evidence. If the complaint is found to be true, necessary action will be taken.

However, if anyone spreads false information about excess electricity bills without any evidence to create confusion or spread rumours among the public, action will be taken against the concerned individual or group under existing laws.

Over the past three months, complaints of excess electricity bills have emerged from consumers in various parts of the country. Many have claimed that electricity consumption units have increased abnormally even without using any new electrical appliances. Others have complained that bills were issued based on estimates without regular meter readings.

On this matter, on August 2, Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) Chairman Rezaul Karim said no central investigation committee had been formed. Each distribution company and power utility has been asked to verify complaints in their respective areas. He claimed that most complaints, upon investigation, did not yield significant evidence to support allegations of excess billing.