The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has withdrawn the increased electricity tariff for residential consumers using up to 75 units, known as lifeline customers. The decision was announced on Thursday afternoon through an official notice, following concerns about the impact of higher rates on marginal consumers.

Earlier, the Power Division had requested BERC to reconsider the revised electricity tariff. The commission had held public hearings on May 20 and 21 after receiving proposals from distribution companies to adjust retail rates. Using its authority under the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, BERC had redefined wholesale, transmission, and retail tariffs. However, the approved rates did not reflect the Power Development Board’s proposal for lifeline consumers, prompting the Power Division’s intervention.

Citing the government’s commitment to improving living standards for low- and lower-middle-income families, the Power Division argued that the revised tariff conflicted with national policy. In response, BERC decided to restore the previous rate for lifeline consumers based on the Power Development Board’s earlier proposal from May 3, 2026.