Maharashtra Slashes Power Tariffs: Residential Consumers to Save Up to 30% from April 1
In a major relief for electricity consumers across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has announced a significant reduction in power tariffs, ranging from 10% to 30%, effective April 1. The decision comes after the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) approved a revised multi-year tariff structure, passing on substantial cost savings to consumers.
Why the Sudden Drop in Electricity Bills?
MERC’s latest order highlights two key reasons behind the tariff cut—MSEDCL’s failure to control distribution losses and the expected savings from renewable energy adoption. While the utility had projected a revenue gap of ₹48,066 crore, MERC instead approved a surplus of ₹44,480 crore, directing the benefits back to consumers.
Residential users will see the most significant relief, but industries aren’t left behind. High-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) industrial consumers will enjoy 15% and 11% reductions, respectively, making Maharashtra more competitive for businesses.
Boost for Solar Users and Legal Practitioners
In a win for green energy, MERC has exempted residential consumers with rooftop solar panels from ‘Time of Day’ charges. Additionally, legal practitioners’ offices, previously billed under commercial rates, will now be charged under the public service category—a long-pending demand.
Siddharth Varma, secretary of Veej Grahak Samiti, Nashik, welcomed the move but cautioned that the actual impact will only be clear once April bills are generated. “We expect an average relief of 10-15%,” he said.
A Brighter, More Affordable Future
MSEDCL Managing Director Lokesh Chandra assured that tariffs will continue to decline as the company shifts to cheaper solar power. “This will not only reduce costs but also ease the cross-subsidy burden on consumers,” he said.
With industries getting a much-needed break and households set for lighter bills, Maharashtra’s power sector is finally delivering some good news.
