BERC Holds Public Hearing on Renewable Energy Electricity Pricing in Dhaka
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission technical evaluation committee has hosted a public hearing on renewable energy electricity pricing. Discussions centered on proposed unit generation costs, battery storage provisions, and benchmark price determinations.
On 23 August 2026, the technical evaluation committee of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) organized a public hearing concerning renewable energy electricity pricing. The proceedings took place at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium, situated in the Segunbagicha area of Dhaka.
During the session, detailed economic frameworks for renewable energy generation were presented to stakeholders and experts. According to the proposals tabled at the hearing, the commercial electricity generation price from renewable energy plants has been pitched at 6 taka 48 paisa per unit. This specific unit price proposal was formulated based on the calculations of a 50-megawatt solar power plant.
Further elaborating on the technical parameters of the calculation, discussions noted that the annual electricity production is projected to be approximately 91.84 million units. Consequently, the total revenue income for the operational framework is estimated to reach approximately 594 core 74 lakh taka. Additionally, to ensure that the power supply remains stable, the proposals incorporate a provision for battery storage systems maintaining 10 to 20 percent of the plant capacity.
The public hearing brought together numerous prominent figures, academics, and industry representatives to scrutinize the financial models. Among the participants contributing to the discourse were Mo. Didarul Alam, M. Shamsul Alam, Jebunnessa, Mostafa Azim Kasem Khan, Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Serajul Islam, and Jalal Ahmed. Institutional perspectives and inputs were also represented by entities including the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), Flosolar, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and Prothom Alo.
Speakers and experts at the event raised critical points regarding regulatory independence and cost management. M. Shamsul Alam asserted that BERC must utilize its own powers to establish a fair benchmark price for solar electricity before purchasing power from private entrepreneurs through a competitive process. Echoing this need for rigorous oversight, Jebunnessa argued that instead of relying solely on the data provided by the proposing organization, authorities must independently analyze production costs, benchmarks, and domestic versus international comparisons. Furthermore, Mostafa Azim Kasem Khan cautioned that if electricity production becomes costly due to additional charges, investment will face obstacles, thereby necessitating a logical calculation of transmission, distribution, and other charges.
Addressing the technical and financial feedback gathered from the floor, BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed noted that the cost of battery storage alongside several other issues requires further verification. He added that taking Pakistan's experiences with renewable electricity into consideration, initiatives will be taken to implement power targets, with all these matters currently being evaluated carefully. Concluding the public hearing, Jalal Ahmed announced that these aspects will undergo further review before a final decision is reached, and invited all relevant stakeholders to submit their formal objections or statements by the coming Thursday.
