High Court orders probe into complaints against prepaid meters

The High Court has directed the formation of an independent and impartial committee consisting of experts to investigate the complaints of consumers suffering from prepaid electricity meters across the country.

At the same time, it has been asked to investigate the matter and submit a report to the court within a month.

The High Court bench consisting of Justice Md Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolan passed the order on Wednesday.

Lawyers Saifullah Mamun, AM Jamiul Haque Faisal and Abdullah Al Hadi heard the petition in the court.

They were assisted by lawyers Kamrul Hasan Regan and Md Zakir Haider.

Deputy Attorney General Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state in the hearing.

Earlier on June 6, Supreme Court lawyers Advocate AM Jamiul Haque Faisal, and Advocate Abdullah on behalf of Kamrul Hasan Regan, Al Hadi, and Zakir Haider filed a writ in the High Court seeking directions to review the billing practice and reform the policy, alleging that customers were being charged extra and hidden despite the introduction of prepaid electricity meters.

On May 21, a legal notice was sent to the concerned demanding an urgent review and audit of electricity billing practices, transparency, refund of excess charges, public communication and policy reforms.

The notice said that despite the introduction of prepaid meters, consumers are facing inconvenience due to various reasons including excess charges, hidden charges and lack of transparency. The problems have led to widespread discontent and financial hardship. But no action has been taken yet. In this situation, there is an urgent need for review and audit of billing practices, transparency, refund of excess charges, public communication and policy reforms.

The legal notice also mentions that prepaid meters have been introduced in Bangladesh. It has been announced that all electricity users will be covered by 2025. But consumers still suffer from overcharges, hidden charges and lack of transparency.

Therefore, the notice requested to take necessary action in the matter by May 26.

The notice also mentions that necessary legal action will be taken in case of violation.

Prepaid meters were introduced to alleviate the sufferings of electricity consumers, but this system has now turned into a source of distress.

Numerous complaints have surfaced about money being deducted at unusually high rates.

Consumers argue that this is a new method of exploitation.

For several months, customers have been voicing their grievances about the excessive charges on prepaid electricity meters through various channels, including social media platforms like Facebook.

These complaints have been corroborated by discussions with residents from several districts, including Dhaka.