The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) could not yet formulate all rules and procedures for enforcement and compliance. Actions have been launched now for doing these. It is expected that BERC will soon be able to determine prices of all primary fuel fairly and transparently. BERC will also conduct a mobile court to ensure compliance. No unreasonable expenditure will be considered while fixing the prices. The profit margin will be determined based on equity and justice.
Jalal Ahmed, newly appointed Chairman, BERC said this in an exclusive interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy & Power.
BERC has already passed 20 years of its existence. How much could it justify its creation during this period?
It achieved partial success. BERC started operation in 2004 though the BERC Act was passed in the parliament in 2003. It started making small steps later during the tenure of former secretary Golam Rahman as Chairman of BERC. It started developing into a competent institution through its actions for determining prices of electricity, LPG, and Natural Gas. It started developing consumers’ confidence by determining tariffs and prices through public hearings. However, its journey towards a functional authority was severely impacted by the actions of the previous government that amended the BERC act to curtail its sole authority of determining prices. The interim government has already reinstated the authority of BERC by rescinding the amendment of the BERC Act. At the same time, BERC has been given the authority to fix the price of furnace oil and jet fuel. We hope that alongside protecting the rights of the consumers and ensuring transparency in determining fairly the power tariff and fuel prices, the BERC would work for a healthy competitive ambiance for investment in the energy sector.
This story is from the EP_22_09 (Energy & Power Vol 22 Issue 9 October 16, 2024) edition of Energy & Power.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the EP_22_09 (Energy & Power Vol 22 Issue 9 October 16, 2024) edition of Energy & Power.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLIMATE SUMMIT IN BAKU BRINGS LITTLE CHEER FOR BANGLADESH
Bangladesh, a delta nation of 170 million people, is vulnerable to climate change and related disasters. Frequent floods, cyclones, and occasional droughts claiming lives and livelihoods every year speak of the depth of the climate vulnerability.
The Promise To Mobilize $1.0tn More Is Vague
The major challenge for COP30 is to restore the trust between the Global North and the Global South. The trust deficit continues to widen in matters substantive to solving the issues, such as ambitious mitigation and scaling climate finance. However, I believe that COP30, under the progressive leadership of Lula De Silva of Brazil, a University Professor, can expect a better outcome.
ADB Launches Environment Action Plan 2024-2030
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched its Environment Action Plan 2024–2030 presenting a road map for addressing the impacts of the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change in Asia and the Pacific.
LDCs Trapped in Climate Debt Spiral
The Climate Debt Risk Index 2024 (CDRI), introduced by Change Initiative (CI), calls for a complete overhaul of the global climate finance framework.
Bangladesh Calls for Climate Justice, Ambitious Pre-2030 Targets at COP29
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources, called for climate justice, urging the global community to uphold the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
Dream to Achieve Goals in Life, Prof Yunus Tells Youths at COP29
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently called upon the youths to dream to achieve their goals in life as the dream is a power.
Fossil Fuel Emissions to Hit New Record in 2024
Planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from oil, gas and coal rose to a new record high this year, according to preliminary research recently that found no sign the world was moving away from fossil fuels.
Rezwana Seeks Global Support for Transition to RE
Adviser of the interim government for environment, forests and climate change Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said timely and fair financial and technological support is need for Bangladesh's transition to renewable energy.
Chief Adviser for 'Zero Carbon' - Based Life-Style to Save Planet
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus recently suggested creating a new life-style based on 'zero waste and zero carbon' to protect the planet from climate catastrophes, presenting his longstanding dream of creating a new world of three zeroes.
Climate Loss and Damage Fund Set to Launch into Action Next Year
Agreements have been signed to pave the way for a United Nations-backed fund for the most climate-vulnerable countries to start project financing in 2025, COP29 host Azerbaijan said recently.
