Disputing an incorrect electricity bill
Estimated readings, meter faults, wrong category assignment and data-entry errors all happen. A dispute goes faster when you bring evidence instead of just a complaint — here is exactly what to collect and file.
Step 1 — confirm it is actually wrong before you file
Before filing anything, rule out the two most common non-fault causes: a slab-boundary jump (a small unit increase pushing a large chunk of usage into a higher tier — check the home calculator against your actual units) and a missed reading catch-up (utilities occasionally estimate a month and true it up the next, producing one unusually high bill followed by one unusually low one). If neither explains the gap, proceed to evidence collection.
Step 2 — evidence to collect
- Photo of your meter display with a visible date/time (phone camera metadata counts)
- The disputed bill itself, front and back if printed
- Your last 3–6 months of bills or recharge receipts for a consumption trend
- A note of any appliance changes (new AC, geyser) that might explain a genuine increase
- Any prior complaint numbers if this is a repeat issue
- Proof of payment for the disputed period if already paid
Step 3 — written complaint template
Copy this, fill in the brackets, and submit it at your local office with a request for a receiving stamp and reference number — a phone complaint alone is harder to escalate later if unresolved.
To The [Executive Engineer / DGM / AGM], [Utility name — e.g. DESCO, DPDC, NESCO, BREB Palli Bidyut Samity], [Office/zone name] Subject: Complaint regarding incorrect electricity bill — Account/Meter No. [XXXXXXXXXX] Dear Sir/Madam, I am a consumer under your office, holding account/meter number [XXXXXXXXXX] at [full address]. I am writing to report an error in my electricity bill for the month of [month/year]. Details of the discrepancy: - Billed units: [X] units - Units I calculate from my own meter reading: [Y] units - Billed amount: ৳[amount] - Reading date shown on bill: [date] / Reading I recorded: [date, with photo attached] I request that you: 1. Review the meter reading and billing calculation for the month(s) stated above. 2. Arrange a meter test if the discrepancy cannot be explained from records alone. 3. Issue a corrected bill or credit adjustment for any confirmed overcharge. I have attached photographs of my meter reading, the disputed bill, and [any prior receipts/tokens] for reference. Please treat this as a formal written complaint and provide a complaint/reference number for follow-up. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Full name] [Mobile number] [Signature] [Date]
Step 4 — request a meter test if needed
If the office cannot explain the discrepancy from records, you can formally request a meter accuracy test. This is a paid request unless the meter is later found faulty, in which case the fee is typically refunded and the bill adjusted retroactively.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| LT — Single phase | ৳ 240 |
| LT — Three phase | ৳ 480 |
| LT — CT metered | ৳ 720 |
| MT and HT | ৳ 2,400 |
| EHT | ৳ 4,800 |
Timelines and what happens next
- Acknowledgement: a reference number should be issued the same day or within 2–3 working days.
- Investigation: a records review typically takes 1–2 weeks; a physical meter test, if requested, adds 1–3 weeks depending on testing lab backlog.
- Adjustment: confirmed errors are corrected as a credit on the next bill (postpaid) or an equivalent unit credit (prepaid), rather than a cash refund, in the large majority of cases.
- No resolution: if the local office does not respond within a reasonable window, use the escalation ladder on the hotline page.
Related
Need the escalation path if this goes unanswered? See the hotline and escalation directory. Want to sanity-check the arithmetic yourself first? Use the how to read your bill guide.