Maharashtra Govt Announces 26% Power Tariff Cut For Low-Usage Consumers Amid Rising Electricity Bills

Mumbai: At a time when public outcry over rising electricity bills is growing, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday made a major announcement during the ongoing monsoon session, offering much-needed relief to lakhs of consumers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared a 26 per cent reduction in power tariffs for consumers with electricity usage up to 100 units per month.

This move, described as a 'gift' from the Mahayuti government to the people, is expected to benefit nearly 70 per cent of electricity consumers in the state, as a majority of them fall within the 100-unit consumption bracket. Fadnavis assured the House that there would be no hike in electricity tariffs for the foreseeable future, providing stability and predictability for household budgets.

Congress MLA Brings Out Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission In Assembly

The announcement came in response to a question raised by Congress MLA Satej Patil, who criticised the government for implementing decisions without conducting consumer hearings. Patil pointed to a previous ruling by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), highlighting errors that required correction. Responding to this, Fadnavis admitted that the MERC order had flaws, which have now been addressed.

He also highlighted systemic issues in electricity billing, pointing out a financial miscalculation of Rs 90,000 crore due to double accounting. He noted that while domestic consumers were not receiving proportional benefits, a steel company in Jalna had been given a Rs 200 crore benefit through subsidies, raising concerns about fairness. This issue was later taken up by MERC and also corrected.

Use Of Solar Power Helping Reduce Electricity Dependence

Currently, Maharashtra has around 2.8 crore electricity consumers, including regions like Thane, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and the rest of the state. The government also provides concessions to industrial consumers to promote business and to farmers, many of whom are now shifting to solar power solutions. Fadnavis said that solar adoption is helping reduce electricity dependence for agriculture, ensuring irrigation isn't hampered during sudden power cuts.

He also informed that smart meters have been installed on all feeders across the state, which will soon enable the government to pinpoint exact electricity losses, especially in the agricultural supply, by the end of this year.

The government’s decision is expected to bring major financial relief to millions of households and boost public trust at a time when inflation and utility costs are on the rise.