In this issue

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission is scheduled to hold on 18 May 2022 a public hearing on Bangladesh Power Development Board’s request for an electricity price hike. The BPDB submitted the proposal in January 2022 for, what it argued, managing the gradually deteriorating business losses. If the BERC raises the gas price by 100%, BPDB asks for a weighted average power price hike to BDT 9.14 per unit. If the gas price is increased by 125%, the tariff should be BDT 9.27 per unit. Presently, the weighted average unit price of electricity is BDT 5.17. The BERC had earlier completed the public hearing on gas price hike proposals by Petrobangla and its subsidiary companies. The BERC is yet to declare any new gas prices. The issue of price hikes has emerged after the rising prices of energy in the international market with the economic recovery efforts by the COVID-hit countries, followed by the Russia-Ukraine war. The local gas and electricity distribution companies argued that the government will have to pay huge subsidies unless the prices are increased. On the other hand, energy experts believe that the extra burden could be accommodated within the economy subject to addressing the wastage and corruption existing in the energy value chain.

The government should avert a decision that may add fuel to the already rising inflation in the country.

Energy & Power Magazine Description:

Energy & Power (EP) is the first and only full-fledged fortnightly magazine that deals with the much cried over energy and power sector in Bangladesh. Since its inception in June 16, 2003, EP is working very hard to 
a) Develop public consciousness on sustainable and even development of energy sector; 
b) Assist the policy makers in assuming pragmatic policies for a balanced development of the energy sector; 
c) Continuous supply of information among public; and 
d) Develop a group of reporters in this field 

Bangladesh is an energy deficit country like other countries in the region and most of the people do not have adequate access to the energy and power. The country is completely dependent on fossil energy source; at the same time, it is one of the most inefficient energy using countries in the world. 
It lacks efficiency in planning, management, generation, distribution, load management and even at the end user level consumption. 
In spite of the above drawbacks, issues relating to utilization of renewable energy, exploring alternative use of energy, planned use of environment friendly energy are significantly undermined in Bangladesh. 
The biggest challenge of Bangladesh is to find a path for balanced growth of its energy sector. Despite its resource constraints, EP dynamically strives to provide theenergy sector with a flow of information and create public awareness; so that policymakers get guidelines and platforms for its sustainable development.

Code of Ethics 
EP believes that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues and professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. We strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.

The EP editorial policy is to share a dedication to ethical behavior and uphold the zero conflict of interest principles and highest standards of practice. 

EP believes in 
o Seeking truth and reporting the same 
o Minimize harm