52pc users apply for power thru middlemen:survey
Fifty-two per cent of electricity consumers found in Bangladesh apply for the bond through middlemen instead of likely to the distribution office buildings directly, according to a new survey.
The survey was conducted by Infrastructure Expenditure Facilitation Company, an advisory body of the government beneath the Economic Relations Division at the finance ministry.
The draft report of the "Consumer Satisfaction Study" premiered at a digital event yesterday, where Nasrul Hamid, state minister for power, energy and mineral resources, was present, said a news release.
"It's necessary to discover why 52 % of consumers need to apply for electricity connection through middlemen," said Hamid.
Initiatives should be taken to inform the buyers about the services supplied by the power distribution companies, where in fact the services can be found, or how much charges are charged for the support, he said.
He stressed for considerable public promotions by keeping elected representatives involved.
The survey covered 700 consumers in the sadar upazila of Narayanganj and 700 consumers in Burichang upazila in Comilla. It was executed on four issues-electricity connection, complaint resolution assistance, billing, and metering.
It found that 88 per cent of consumers were satisfied with the overall electricity service.
Ninety-four per cent of the respondents were quite happy with electricity connection, 77 per cent with complaint handling services, 95 % with billing, and 88 % with metering service.
"The report said 88 % of consumers were satisfied with the electricity support. But we wish 100 per cent client satisfaction," said Hamid.
"Efforts should be designed to satisfy 100 per cent consumers in electricity services. We usually do not want to get any complaints from buyers. Power distribution companies have to have regular contacts with consumers."
The state minister instructed the distribution companies to judge the problems and complaints of the customers.
"Each organisation will need to have its evaluation. The quicker the service could be online or digitalised, the earlier the top quality of customer service will improve."
Of the respondents, 71 % are residential customers, and 29 % are commercial and some other clients.
Of them, 39 % are the consumers of Dhaka Ability Distribution Company, 39 % are clients of Bangladesh Rural Electrification Plank, and 22 per cent are buyers of Bangladesh Power Advancement Board.
