UMaharashtra Power Tariff Cut: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced the first ever cut in the state’s power tariffs. The tariff cut will be of 10 per cent in the first year, contributing to a total reduction of 26 per cent in five years. 

‘Good news on electricity tariffs’: Maharashtra CM announces electricity tariff cut 

“Good news on electricity tariffs!” the CM wrote on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter). 

“Thanks to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) for approving MSEDCL’s proposal to reduce tariffs, a move never attempted before,” he wrote, announcing the p power tariff reduction. 

Previously, said the CM, the petitions used to be filed for hikes of around 10 per cent. However, this time, a petition was filed for reduction.

The move is set to benefit domestic, industrial as well as commercial consumers alike, according to Fadnavis.

70% of consumers to benefit the most: Maharashtra CM

He also wrote that nearly 70 per cent of the state’s power consumed, using less than 100 units each, will be benefiting the most from the 10 per cent reduction. 

Work on Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 underway swiftly 

The CM confirmed that work on the second phase of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini scheme was underway “at a rapid pace”.

The state-run scheme is a special initiative aimed at providing daytime solar power to farmers. 

“With a growing focus on renewable energy in our power purchase agreements, future savings in procurement costs will help sustain affordable tariffs,” wrote the CM. 

The Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0–also known as MSKVY 2.0–is an upgraded version of the state administration’s flagship solar scheme for agriculture.

The scheme is aimed at solarising 30 per cent of agricultural feeders by December. The scheme is meant to ensure daytime electricity supply to farmers, reducing their dependence on subsidised grids or diesel pumps.