Power ministry orders probe into unusually high electricity bills for June

The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has ordered an investigation into complaints of unusually high electricity bills issued to consumers for June, directing all power distribution agencies and companies to verify the allegations and take corrective action where necessary.

The directive was issued through a special notice on Wednesday (July 1) after the ministry received numerous complaints that electricity bills for June 2026 were significantly higher than those of previous months.

The ministry said it had taken the matter seriously and instructed power distribution entities to examine the reasons behind the inflated bills and implement measures to prevent consumer harassment.

According to the notice, any complaint regarding excessive or inaccurate billing must be investigated promptly, and necessary corrections should be made without delay. Distribution companies have also been directed to ensure maximum cooperation with consumers throughout the complaint resolution process.

Consumers experiencing billing irregularities have been urged to contact their respective electricity distribution offices or use the designated customer service hotlines.

Complaints can be lodged through the Power Division's central hotline 16999, while the hotlines for individual utilities are: Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) – 16200, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) – 16899, Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) – 16116, Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) – 16120, Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) – 16603, and West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) – 16117.

The ministry said swift verification and corrective action would help reduce consumer suffering and strengthen transparency and accountability in the country's electricity billing system.