French
DeutschBangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission
বাংলাদেশ এনার্জি রেগুলেটরী কমিশন | |
 Logo of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission | |
| Abbreviation | BERC |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2003 |
| Type | Independent state agency |
| Headquarters | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Region served | Bangladesh |
Chairman | Jalal Ahmed |
| Website | www |
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC)[1] is an autonomous government agency 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]
History
[edit]The commission was created in 2003 and is responsible for the setting up of gas and electricity prices in Bangladesh. It also arbitrates disputes in the energy industry.[2] Its approval is need for any changes in the price of electricity.[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]
Current Commission
[edit]The Chairman of the Commission receives the status of Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, remuneration and other ancillary benefits, state house, protocol, security and protection. and member of the commission receive the status of Justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, remuneration and other ancillary benefits, state house, protocol, security and protection.[8]
| Sl | Designation | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chairman | Jalal Ahmed[9] |
| 2. | Member (Electricity) | Vacant |
| 3. | Member (Gas) | Vacant |
| 4. | Member (Petroleum) | Vacant |
| 5. | Member (Accounts and Energy Law) | Vacant |
In August 2024, Jalal Ahmed was appointed as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), where he is set to lead for the next three years.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Correspondent, Staff (30 January 2023). "BERC amendment bill passed". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ a b Riaz, Ali; Rahman, Mohammad Sajjadur (29 January 2016). Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Bangladesh. Routledge. p. 251. ISBN 9781317308775.
- ^ "Gas, power prices to soar". Dhaka Tribune. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
- ^ "Bapex to dig 29 onshore gas wells in two years". Dhaka Tribune. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
- ^ Rahman, Asifur (19 January 2023). "Fixing Energy Prices: Govt curtails BERC's power as regulator". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ Correspondent, Staff (30 January 2023). "BERC amendment bill passed". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Govt's executive authority to raise power and gas prices cancelled through ordinance". unb.com.bd. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ "বাংলাদেশ এনার্জি রেগুলেটরী কমিশন আইন, ২০০৩ | ১০৷ সদস্যদের পদমর্যাদা, বেতন, ভাতা, ইত্যাদি". bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ a b Report, Star Digital (22 August 2024). "Jalal Ahmed appointed new BERC chairman". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
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