NESCO knows nothing about unusual electricity bills

Every household has its lights turned on. Fans are operating, refrigerators are cooling, televisions are playing, and air conditioning units are functioning. Electricity serves numerous purposes. However, the consumption of electricity varies across different institutions. A standard calculation underlies this electricity usage, specifically the computation of electricity bills at the end of each month.

In June, however, this calculation took an unexpected turn. The electricity bill for that month was inconsistent. Consequently, customers of Northern Electricity Supply Company Limited (NESCO) are expressing concerns regarding their electricity bills.

Redoanul Islam, a resident of Tinmatha area of ​​Bogura, was shocked to see the electricity bill for the month of June. He had to pay Tk6,600 to settle his prepaid bill that month.

He said that during the summer, his electricity bill is usually between Tk3 ,000 to Tk4,000. In the winter, it is further reduced to Tk1,500 to Tk2,000. But this time, that old calculation has changed. Yet, life continues the same.

It is not just Redoanul Islam. Similar complaints have been received after visiting different areas of Bogura. Some say the bill has increased abnormally, some say that people's money is being stolen from prepaid meters.

Rakib Ahsan, a resident of Jaleshwaritala area of ​​the city, said that he spends Tk1000 to Tk1200 on electricity every month. In June, he spent Tk2000 as electricity bill.

However, not all customers have been victims of additional electricity bills on NESCO prepaid meters.

It has been learned from talking to at least 20 customers locally that about 15 of them have been hit by this unusual bill.

Ranju Hossain, a resident of Fultala area, said that he did not have to pay any additional bills in June. The normal bill has been raised.

At least 10 people who have paid additional electricity bills said that earlier when they looked at the meter, they thought that the account was in their hands. Now, perhaps the account has gone beyond us.

This unusual change in electricity bills has created a kind of uncertainty among customers. They are worried that "how much will the bill be next month?"

On the other hand, NESCO authorities said that the reason for the sudden increase in bills is still unclear. They are monitoring the issue.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources also issued a special message regarding the additional electricity bills in June.

On Monday (June 29), the ministry informed that additional electricity bills in June have been reported at the electricity consumer level. Instructions have been given to the electricity distribution companies or companies to monitor this issue properly and take necessary measures.

When asked, NESCO Executive Director (Administration and Human Resource Development) Md. Afaz Uddin told Views Bangladesh that if customers have any complaints about electricity bills, they have been asked to contact the electricity office of the concerned area. If they receive a complaint, the matter will be investigated.

When asked about the abnormality in the electricity bill, he said that he did not know anything about this.

Customers say that the entire daily life of a family is intertwined with the electricity bill. NESCO's statement is that action will be taken if complaints are received, but this is not a solution. Because how many of the customers who are victims of ghost bills will complain? No one wants trouble. However, if this continues, then not only complaints but also agitations will be launched to solve the problem.