Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) decided on Thursday to raise the retail power prices by 6.69 percent with retrospective effect from March 1, 2014.

However, the tariff will remain same for lifeline users – who consume up to 75 units – and for irrigation pumps.

“The move will help to minimize the losses of the distributor companies,” an official of the energy regulator explained.

Earlier, a public hearing over the proposals of five power distribution companies and organizations about the retail level power tariff hike had been completed placing recommendations by the BERC.

On March 6, 2014, a technical evaluation committee of the BERC completed the three-day hearing in this regard, at its office in the capital`s Karwan Bazar.
This decision came following the hearing, considering the rights of the people, according to the BERC officials.

Earlier, the BERC increased the power tariff in September 2012.

BBN/SSR/AD-13Mar14-10:35 pm (BST)