Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission
বাংলাদেশ এনার্জি রেগুলেটরী কমিশন
	Logo of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission
Abbreviation	BERC
Formation	2003
Type	Independent statutory state bodies
Headquarters	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Region served	Bangladesh
Chairman	Jalal Ahmed
Website	www.berc.org.bd

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC)^[1] is an autonomous independent statutory state bodies 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

The commission was created in 2003 and is responsible for the setting of gas, petroleum oil and electricity prices in Bangladesh. As the regulator, it also arbitrates disputes in the energy industry.^[2] Its approval is needed for any changes in the price of electricity, gas and petroleum oil.^[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]

Leadership

The Chairman of the Commission receives the status of Cabinet or Advisory Council Minister or Republic Adviser, remuneration and other ancillary benefits, state house, protocol, safety and security. The Chairman of the Commission is considered as the fifth position of the Warrant of Presidency of Bangladesh's priority.

Members of the Commission enjoy the status emoluments and other ancillary benefits, state buildings, protocols, security and protection of persons holding the status of a minister or adviser and not a member of the Cabinet or Advisory Council of the Republic. A member of the Commission is considered to be the sixth position of the Warrant of Presidency of Bangladesh's priority. ^[8]

Commission

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]