Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has submitted a petition to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) seeking a revision of electricity tariffs for the next five years.
The proposal aims to implement a phased reduction in electricity rates for domestic, industrial, and commercial consumers while offering additional concessions for daytime electricity usage.
However, a viral video allegedly misrepresenting the petition’s details has surfaced, urging consumers to oppose the proposal. MSEDCL sources have refuted the claims made in the video, asserting that it misleads the public and is detrimental to consumer interests.
One of the video’s claims suggests that the tariff revision would adversely impact all consumers. Dismissing this, MSEDCL sources clarified that the proposal is structured to gradually lower electricity rates over the next five years.
Another allegation in the video concerns the introduction of kVAh billing for LT consumers, implying that it would lead to higher electricity bills. MSEDCL responded by stating that kVAh billing would apply only to LT consumers with a load above 20 kW, as per regulatory mandates, and would not affect domestic consumers.
Addressing concerns about temporary connections for home renovations, MSEDCL assured that residential consumers using up to 500 units per month would continue to be billed under domestic rates during renovations. However, if a structure is completely demolished for reconstruction, a temporary connection would be required under the LT-2 category.
Another claim in the video suggests that solar energy consumers exceeding 100 units would face disproportionately high bills. MSEDCL clarified that small-scale solar power consumers generally do not receive bills due to available subsidies, and only excessive consumption is billed at standard rates.
The petition explicitly outlines a structured plan to reduce tariffs across all consumer categories over the next five years. Additionally, consumers using electricity between 9 AM and 5 PM would receive additional discounts, benefiting small businesses and industries.
MSEDCL emphasized that if MERC approves the proposal, Maharashtra’s electricity rates will become more competitive with other industrial states, fostering economic growth and reducing financial burdens on consumers.
