The government today waived surcharge for late payment of electricity bills by residential consumers in order to mitigate sufferings of the clients amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The remission has been extended to five months -- from February to June -- consumers living in residential areas can now pay bills for these months within July 31 without incurring late payment fees, said a statement issued by Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

Respective distribution companies will adjust bills already paid by consumers for these months, the statement added.