Introduction to Affordable Electricity and Gas Providers in Bangladesh
Finding the most affordable electricity and gas providers in Bangladesh is essential for households and businesses looking to reduce monthly utility bills. With rising energy demand and evolving tariff structures, choosing the right provider can help you save thousands of taka every year.
Bangladesh has achieved over 99% electricity coverage, making energy accessible nationwide. However, affordability depends on your location, consumption level, and whether you use electricity, natural gas, or both.
This guide compares electricity distributors like Bangladesh Power Development Board, Dhaka Power Distribution Company, Dhaka Electric Supply Company, and Rural Electrification Board, along with gas suppliers such as Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.
Overview of Electricity Supply in Bangladesh
The electricity sector operates under the supervision of the Power Division of Bangladesh. Pricing is regulated by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, which ensures fair tariffs nationwide.
Key Structure:
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Generation: BPDB & Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
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Transmission: National Grid Network
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Distribution: DPDC, DESCO, REB & regional companies
Tariffs are nationally regulated, but service quality and efficiency vary by distributor.
Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB)
BPDB is the backbone of the electricity system. It generates electricity and supplies bulk power to distribution companies.
Why BPDB Matters for Affordability:
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Sets baseline electricity cost
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Supports lifeline tariff (≤75 kWh/month)
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Ensures nationwide supply stability
Lifeline Tariff:
Households consuming up to 75 kWh/month pay around BDT 4 per unit, making it highly affordable for low-income families.
DPDC vs DESCO – Which Is More Affordable?
Both DPDC and DESCO serve Dhaka but in different zones.
DPDC (Central & South Dhaka)
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Competitive BERC tariff
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Lifeline rate available
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Expanding digital billing
DESCO (North Dhaka – Gulshan, Uttara, Gazipur)
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Lower system losses
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More reliable supply
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Advanced metering system
👉 Cost Difference?
Base tariff is the same. However, DESCO’s efficiency often means fewer billing errors and better reliability — giving better overall value.
Rural Electrification Board (REB)
REB covers about 70% of Bangladesh’s geographical area through Palli Bidyut Samities (PBS).
Why REB Is Affordable:
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Cooperative model reduces costs
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Same national lifeline tariff
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Lower operational overhead
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Community-based accountability
Rural households often benefit from stable and reasonably priced electricity under REB.
Gas Providers in Bangladesh
Natural gas is significantly cheaper than electricity for cooking and water heating.
Major Gas Companies:
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Titas Gas (Dhaka region)
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Jalalabad Gas (Sylhet region)
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Karnaphuli Gas (Chattogram)
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Pashchimanchal Gas (Western region)
Gas Tariff Overview:
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Single Burner: BDT 600–800/month
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Double Burner: BDT 800–1200/month
Gas remains 30–50% cheaper than electric cooking solutions.
Electricity vs Gas Cost Comparison
Cooking:
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Electric cooking: ~BDT 2,000–3,000/month
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Gas cooking: ~BDT 600–800/month
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💰 Savings: 40%+
Water Heating:
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Electric geyser: BDT 800–1500/month
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Gas heater: BDT 150–250/month
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💰 Savings: Up to 70%
Annual Household Comparison:
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| All-Electric Home | BDT 30,000–45,000 |
| Gas + Electricity Mix | BDT 18,000–28,000 |
👉 Potential yearly savings: BDT 12,000–17,000
Most Affordable Energy Strategy for Households
For Dhaka Residents:
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Electricity: DPDC or DESCO
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Gas: Titas Gas
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Keep usage under 75 kWh/month
For Rural Areas:
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Electricity: REB
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Gas: Regional gas distributor or LPG
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Use LED lights & inverter ACs
Final Verdict: Which Provider Is Most Affordable?
There isn’t one “cheapest” provider — affordability depends on:
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📍 Location
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⚡ Electricity usage
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🔥 Gas availability
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🏠 Household size
However:
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Rural users → REB offers best value
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North Dhaka → DESCO slightly better service
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Central Dhaka → DPDC reliable option
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Gas users → Titas Gas cheapest cooking solution
Conclusion
The most affordable electricity and gas providers in Bangladesh are those that combine government-regulated tariffs with efficient operations and smart consumption habits.
By:
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Staying within lifeline tariff limits
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Using gas for cooking and heating
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Investing in energy-efficient appliances
Households can reduce energy expenses by 40–50% annually.
Affordability is important — but reliability and service quality matter just as much.