Electricity consumers in Bangladesh, particularly under the Rural Electrification Board (REB) and other distribution companies, face widespread challenges due to inaccurate and inflated billing. Many rural customers report continuous overcharging and unjustified arrears, despite paying bills on time. Issues include erroneous charges appearing months after payments, unresolved complaints, and confusion over prepaid meter deductions. Consumers allege little assistance from authorities, with complaints often leading to dead ends or threats of disconnection. The problem intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic, with reports of bills skyrocketing up to ten times normal amounts due to average billing practices. The High Court has intervened, ordering an independent investigation into these billing discrepancies across various electricity distribution companies, emphasizing the need for accountability and consumer protection in utility billing practices.
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