Dhaka:The government has revised the Electricity Rules, 2020, updating the fees associated with the inspection, testing, verification, and approval of electrical installations and equipment. This amendment affects various categories of electrical infrastructure and installations across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the revised schedule outlines specific fees for consumer substations, lifts, energy meters, transformer oil testing laboratories, and manufacturers of substation equipment. The fees are determined based on the capacity of the substations, with a 100-kVA substation incurring a Taka 20,000 inspection fee and a Taka 10,000 renewal fee. Higher-capacity substations, such as a 500-MVA substation, require Taka 30 lakh for inspection and Taka 15 lakh for renewal.
The notification, published as a special supplement in the Bangladesh Gazette, also specifies fees for other electrical installations. For instance, energy meter testing fees range from Taka 2,000 to Taka 10,000 depending on the type of meter. Additionally, the inspection fee for equipment rated up to 11,000 volts is set at Taka 50,000, with renewal costing Taka 25,000.
The revised schedule replaces Schedule-1 of the Electricity Rules, 2020, under the authority of Section 59 of the Electricity Act, 2018. It also repeals the Power Division's order from May 21, 2014, related to inspection and testing procedures. All fees must be paid as non-tax revenue, and applicants are required to apply online to the Chief Electrical Inspector's Office with proof of payment.