Systems loss down but consumers fear tariff hike

The private sector West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDC) has taken over PDB's establishments and other assets and liabilities in 21 districts under Barisal and Khulna divisions.

The transfer, made as per an order from the energy ministry on September 9, is effective from October one.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

PDB had seven distribution zones in the 21 districts. It had zonal offices in Khulna and Barisal, regional offices in Barisal and Khulna, energy outing units in Khulna, Jessore and Barisal, and regional accounts offices in Khulna, Jessore, Kushtia, Faridpur and Barisal.

All PDB staff in its seven distribution zones will avail government service facilities till June 2004 and have the option either to join WZPDC or other zonal offices of PDB by December 31 this year.

WZPDC's head office has been set up in Khulna. Mirza Md Mohiuddin, a former high official of Phillips and newly appointed managing director of WZPDC, visited the company's Barisal regional office recently.

Sources in the company claimed that after the transfer, the overall situation and office atmosphere have changed.

Many illegal connections have been disconnected. The office is neat and clean. Attendance is regular and there is no idle talk at offices, they said.

"The overall situations has changed remarkably in two weeks and system loss is gradually coming down", Nurul Huq, executive engineer of Barisal Electric Power Division said.

But some other sources claimed that majority of PDB's general staffs in Barisal zone are dissatisfied over the privatisation.

They blamed CBA leaders for this transfer.

But central CBA leader of PDB, M G Faruk, said WZPDC has accepted CBA's demands. "It is up to the person concerned to join the company or work under PDB", he said.

But many of the power consumers this correspondent talked to were apprehensive of increase in power tariff.

"The company can increase rates as it will purchase power from PDB and then supply", one consumer said.

Another consumer said, "Our experience with Palli Biddut (Rural Electrification Board) is not good so far as distribution, service and pricing are concerned. Without competition and accountability, privatisation will create monopoly with more corruption and less service".