Latest news with #MahaVitaran
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Amid criticism of lapses in discom's functioning, Maha minister promises meeting to discuss issues
Mumbai: Shiv Sena legislator Nilesh Rane on Friday strongly criticised the functioning of the state distribution company, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran) and its apathy towards consumers, especially from the Konkan region. During discussion on a calling attention motion, Rane said: "Ninety per cent of the employees in MahaVitaran are contractual. They are not even given proper training. As of today, 11 contractual workers have died. There has been total neglect as the consumers have to stay without electricity for many hours.' He took a dig at the minister of state for energy, Meghana Sakore Bordikar that the people from Sindhudurg district and Konkan region in general have become used to lack of power due to MahaVitaran's inaction. Thereafter, the minister announced that a meeting of representatives from the Konkan region will be convened soon to address various issues with regard to MahaVitaran and thereby ensure continuity in the supply of electricity. Rane was later joined by other legislators who also complained about faulty functioning of the MahaVitaran demanding an immediate action. Rane conducted a panchnama on the work of the electricity distribution company in Konkan, especially in Sindhudurg district. 'For the past many years, DPs have been in poor condition. Electricity poles have fallen. In the last 15 years, roads have been dug to lay underground wires, but the work is incomplete,' he claimed. He strongly attacked the delay and lapses in the management of MahaVitaran. He also demanded that Konkan should get adequate funds for strengthening the power supply infrastructure. Responding to the questions raised by Nilesh Rane, Minister Meghna Bordikar said the work of laying underground cables is underway through the National Cyclone Hazard Mitigation Project. Out of 635 km, laying of cables for 225 kilometers have been completed. She further said that various works are underway under the revised distribution area plan. However, Rane was not satisfied with her answer. 'I am also aware of the printed reply. Go beyond that and answer my questions," Rane said, demanding a meeting on this issue. On this, Minister Bordikar announced to hold a meeting. During the discussion, Rane received support from Bhaskar Jadhav (Shiv Sena-UBT) and Rohit Pawar (NCP-SP) who also exposed the shortcomings of Mahavitaran.
News18
26-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Maharashtra To Slash Electricity Tariffs By 26% Over Next 5 Years In Historic Relief For Power Consumers
Last Updated: Domestic consumers using smart meters will receive an additional 10 per cent discount under the Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff structure for daytime electricity usage The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved a historic proposal to reduce power tariffs for the next five years in a major relief to electricity consumers across the state. For the first time in the state's history, the power utility—MahaVitaran—approached the commission with a plan to reduce electricity rates, and the decision is now set to benefit households, industries, and businesses alike. According to the MERC order, domestic consumers using smart meters will receive an additional 10 per cent discount under the Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff structure for daytime electricity usage. Households generating solar power will also be incentivised under this new framework. The new rate structure ensures that the maximum benefit reaches lower consumption categories—nearly 70 per cent of the state's domestic users consume less than 100 units, and they will see the highest drop in rates. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the commission's decision, calling it 'historic and consumer-friendly". He highlighted that for decades, electricity rate petitions often proposed hikes of 10 per cent or more. 'This time, MahaVitaran has reversed the trend and proposed a tariff reduction—which has been approved. It's a moment of pride to announce this decision that will positively impact nearly every electricity user in the state," said Fadnavis. The reduction, phased over five years, will amount to a cumulative 26 per cent drop in power tariffs, starting with a 10 per cent cut in the first year. The state's industrial and commercial consumers—who were previously subject to annual hikes—will also benefit from the lower tariffs, which aim to stimulate growth and competitiveness. The relief to farmers is also significant. Under the 'Mukhyamantri Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme', over 45 lakh farmers using pumps of up to 7.5 HP are already receiving free electricity. The flagship 'Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0'—focused on decentralised solar power generation—is progressing rapidly. It aims to generate 16,000 MW of solar power for daytime farm use by December 2026, ensuring reliable, cost-effective power to the agricultural sector. In terms of long-term planning, MahaVitaran has signed power purchase agreements totalling 45,000 MW, taking into account projected energy demand up to 2030. Notably, 31,000 MW of this capacity will come from renewable energy sources. The availability of low-cost green power is expected to save around Rs 66,000 crore in power procurement over the next five years, further justifying the tariff reductions. Fadnavis expressed gratitude to the MERC, noting that this decision is aligned with the state's vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. 'Affordable and quality power supply will be the foundation of our growth. This decision is not just a financial relief but a structural reform," he added. With energy costs declining and solar power initiatives scaling up, Maharashtra's power sector seems poised for a transformative shift—ensuring both affordability and sustainability for its citizens. First Published:
