The government of Bangladesh is considering exempting two categories of electricity consumers—lifeline (marginal) and first-step users—from the recently announced price increase. The Power Development Board (PDB) has already applied to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to keep electricity rates unchanged for these groups. BERC sources confirmed that a revised decision on this matter could be issued soon.

On Wednesday, BERC had announced a record hike in electricity prices across all consumer categories. The wholesale rate was raised by an average of 19.85 percent, transmission charges by 23.96 percent, and retail consumer rates by 16.68 percent. Under the new rates, lifeline users consuming 0–50 units were to pay Tk 5.32 per unit, while first-step users consuming 0–75 units were to pay Tk 6.18 per unit, effective from June.

If approved, the exemption would maintain previous rates for these two consumer groups, providing relief to lower-income households affected by the recent price adjustments.