Electricity Bill: Possibility of electricity rate hike in the state; Proposal for 'such' percentage increase, major impact on consumer budget?

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Congress state spokesperson Atul Londhe has strongly refuted the claims of the Mahayuti government's promise to reduce electricity rates. According to him, electricity rates will not decrease but will increase by 16%, and the promise of cheap electricity given by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has proven to be deceptive. Londhe stated at a press conference that Mahavitaran has submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission for a 20 to 40% increase in electricity rates, and a public hearing on this has taken place in Nagpur. He expressed concern that this will directly impact small and medium industries, potentially crippling the backbone of the state's economy.

The Mumbai High Court has ordered Mahavitaran to maintain the old order and rectify irregularities by holding a public hearing again, said Londhe. They demanded that the revised MYT order of June 25, 2025, be immediately canceled to protect industries, small-medium enterprises, and solar projects. They alleged that this decision is being made for the benefit of the Adanis, which will cause significant trouble for ordinary electricity consumers and micro-enterprises. The government had announced a 50% reduction in electricity rates over five years and a 10% reduction in the first year, but the reality is the opposite. Londhe compared that in neighboring Gujarat, domestic electricity rates are 3.0 to 5.2 per unit, in Karnataka 3.7 to 7.3, and in Telangana 2 to 10 rupees.

On the other hand, BJP state spokesperson Vishwas Pathak dismissed Londhe's allegations as baseless and false. Pathak said that Mahavitaran has not submitted any proposal to increase electricity rates, but rather has proposed to reduce them. He pointed out that Londhe is disappointed due to the failure in the municipal elections, and the High Court has given orders to the commission, not Mahavitaran. Pathak claimed that the promise of reduced electricity rates given by Chief Minister Fadnavis is being fulfilled.

Against the backdrop of this dispute, the power supply to 16,981 government offices in the Amravati circle will be disconnected for 24 hours on February 12 due to non-payment of electricity bills. This decision has been taken due to lack of response despite notices, reminders, SMS, and a four-hour symbolic disconnection on January 22. The electricity rate dispute has intensified the state's politics, raising serious concerns about consumer interests.