Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission

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Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission
বাংলাদেশ এনার্জি রেগুলেটরী কমিশন
AbbreviationBERC
Formation2003
TypeIndependent statutory state Quasi-judicial body
Headquarters Dhaka, Bangladesh
Region served
Bangladesh
Chairman
 Jalal Ahmed
Website www.berc.org.bd

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) [1] is an autonomous independent statutory state Quasi-judicial body established in 2003 to regulate the energy sector in Bangladesh, including electricity, gas, and petroleum. BERC is tasked with setting tariffs, issuing licenses, and resolving disputes within the industry to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and maintain fair pricing. It is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. [2]

Contents

History

The commission was created in 2003 and is responsible for the setting of gas, petroleum oil and electricity prices in Bangladesh. As the regulator, it also arbitrates disputes in the energy industry. [2] Its approval is needed for any changes in the price of electricity, gas and petroleum oil. [3] The Energy Security Fund is under this agency. [4]

However, over the years government interventions have significantly reduced BERC's authority, especially regarding energy pricing. Amendments to the BERC Act allowed the government to bypass the commission's procedures and directly set energy prices. This shift had raised concerns about the transparency and independence of the regulatory process, as BERC's ability to conduct public hearings and ensure fair practices had been curtailed. [5] [6]

In August 2024, the government issued a gazette officially revoking its executive authority to raise power and gas prices without a public hearing by BERC. The reversal of this authority is seen as a move to strengthen regulatory oversight and restore the commission's role in protecting consumer interests by involving the public in the decision-making process. [7]

Commission

SlDesignationName
1.Chairman Jalal Ahmed [8]
2.Member- ElectricityVacant
3.Member- GasMd Mizanur Rahman
4.Member- AdminMd Abdur Razzak
5.Member- PetroleumSyeda Sultana Razia

Controversy

On 26 November 2024, Md Gias Uddin Joarder was appointed member- electricity by an office order from an adviser of Interim government Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. There were allegations of corruption against him in Anti Corruption Commission. Anti Corruption Commission is doing enquiry of the corruption case of Md Gias Uddin Joarder, later he has resigned against the backdrop of Al Jazeera Investigates reports on his alleged involvement in corruption. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

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References

  1. ↑ "BERC amendment bill passed". The Daily Star. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  2. 1 2 Riaz, Ali; Rahman, Mohammad Sajjadur (29 January 2016). Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Bangladesh. Routledge. p. 251. ISBN   9781317308775.
  3. ↑ "Gas, power prices to soar". Dhaka Tribune. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  4. ↑ "Bapex to dig 29 onshore gas wells in two years". Dhaka Tribune. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  5. ↑ Rahman, Asifur (19 January 2023). "Fixing Energy Prices: Govt curtails BERC's power as regulator". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  6. ↑ "BERC amendment bill passed". The Daily Star. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  7. ↑ "Govt's executive authority to raise power and gas prices cancelled through ordinance". UNB. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  8. ↑ "Jalal Ahmed appointed new BERC chairman". The Daily Star. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  9. ↑ https://dailysobujbangladesh.com/%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%96%E0%A6%A8/
  10. ↑ https://www.amarbarta.com.bd/print-edition/2044
  11. ↑ https://sokalersongbad.com/archives/29036
  12. ↑ https://www.thedailystar.net/environment/natural-resources/energy/news/newly-appointed-berc-member-gias-uddin-resigns-3765216
  13. ↑ https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/251623/newly-appointed-berc-member-gias-uddin-quits
  14. ↑ https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/newly-appointed-berc-member-gias-uddin-resigns/148046


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