Mumbai News: BEST Urges Ganesh Mandals To Apply Early For Electricity Connections Ahead Of Ganeshotsav 2025

With Ganeshotsav 2025 approaching, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has issued detailed guidelines for public Ganeshotsav Mandals seeking temporary electricity connections. Mandals are urged to apply early to avoid last-minute delays.

As in previous years, BEST has set up special helpdesks at all Customer Service Divisions to assist with the application process and provide on-ground support. While applications can be submitted online via www.bestundertaking.com, a physical copy of the application form, along with the required documents, must also be submitted at the nearest customer service office.

"The application must include complete details such as the Mandal's name, full address, duration of electricity requirement, and contact information of the authorized representative. Bank account details are also mandatory for processing NEFT refunds of the security deposit, including bank name, account number, and branch information. Additionally, each application must carry the official rubber stamp of the Mandal and an undertaking accepting full responsibility for electrical safety at the pandal site" said an official.

According to BEST, the deposit amount—after adjusting the actual electricity consumption charges—will be refunded via NEFT within one month, provided the NEFT form is submitted in the prescribed format available at customer service offices. In the absence of this form, the refund will be issued by cheque within 90 days.

Other mandatory documents include a permission letter from the landowner or housing society if the pandal is being erected on private or society premises, as well as approval from the Electrical Inspector. In accordance with a Bombay High Court order dated June 24, 2015, Mandals planning to install pandals on roads or footpaths must also submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

According to a senior official, a copy of police permission must also be submitted. If the police clearance is still in process, an acknowledgment copy of the application made to the concerned police station will be accepted. Mandals must also attach a copy of the current electricity bill from the cabin where the temporary supply is required, along with a signed guarantee letter from the Mandal or the registered consumer. BEST has clarified that any outstanding dues from previous years must be settled before a new connection is approved.

As per the released fee structure, the application registration fee is Rs 90 for a single-phase connection and Rs 145 for a three-phase connection. If the necessary infrastructure already exists, the connection fee will be Rs 150 for single-phase and Rs 200 for three-phase supply. However, in cases where infrastructure does not exist, Mandals are required to deposit an amount equivalent to last year’s bill or Rs 20 per kW per day—whichever is higher—as a security deposit, especially applicable to new applicants.

In addition, meter deposits are set at Rs 3,500 for single-phase connections and Rs 4,700 for three-phase connections up to 60 kW. For connections above 60 kW, the meter deposit is Rs10,500.

According to BEST, temporary electricity will be billed under the residential tariff structure approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) for the financial year 2025–26, applicable from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The tariff includes fixed charges, fuel adjustment charges, wheeling charges, Maharashtra tax (M-Tax), and other applicable levies.

BEST has urged all Ganesh Mandals to adhere strictly to the guidelines to ensure a smooth, safe, and uninterrupted celebration. "For clarifications or further assistance, Mandals are encouraged to contact the officials at their respective customer service divisions" said an official.