India, Aug. 2 -- For years, the monthly electricity bill at a retired employee's home in Gafargaon, Mymensingh, stayed between Tk 1,700 and Tk 2,000.

In May, it was about Tk 1,600. Then came June: nearly Tk 7,000.

His family had to pool money to pay the bill. But the customer's son says that has not solved anything. By July, the meter had already recorded more than 500 units.

"Everyone in the family can help pay the bill, but that is not a solution," he said. "What happens if another bill like this arrives?"

His family is not alone.

From Dhaka and Sunamganj to Narayanganj, Lakshmipur and Rajshahi, customers have complained of electricity bills rising two or three times within a month. Some say their recorded use has jumped despite no...