Nagpur: In a major relief for electricity consumers across Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court has quashed the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (MERC) June 2025 tariff hike order, paving the way for a potential 20% reduction in power rates charged by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).
However, the relief may be temporary, unless the Supreme Court stays the High Court’s decision. According to senior MERC officials, the Commission has already resolved to challenge the ruling in the Apex Court. The High Court has granted both MERC and MSEDCL four weeks to file an appeal. Until then, the July 2025 tariff structure will continue to remain in force.
Gold Rate
04Oct 2025
The dispute dates back to March 2025, when MERC had initially approved a 10% reduction in power tariffs. But MSEDCL reportedly urged the Commission to hold back the implementation, citing its intention to file a review petition. Later, during the review proceedings, consumer bodies, industrial associations, and citizens were allegedly denied participation or the opportunity to raise objections.
“In June 2025, MERC reversed its earlier decision and imposed a nearly 10% hike, which meant power rates effectively went up by almost 20% compared to what was approved in March. This was completely unfair to the public,” said R. B. Goenka, representative of the Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA).
Outraged by the reversal, several consumer groups, industries, and individuals approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the legality of MERC’s revised tariff order.
The issue has also taken a political turn. With local body elections due in December 2025 and January 2026, the Maharashtra Government reportedly prefers to avoid public discontent over rising electricity costs. Consequently, MSEDCL, being a state-owned utility, has decided not to appeal the High Court verdict, even as MERC prepares to move the Supreme Court in the coming days.
Consumers in Nagpur have welcomed the court’s ruling and are hopeful that the relief will hold. Social activist Anil Wadpalliwar said, “Electricity bills have become a huge burden for common families like ours. A 20% reduction will be a big support. We hope the Court upholds justice for ordinary citizens.”
Industrial and commercial consumers also stand to gain if the tariff cut remains effective. Many manufacturing units had warned that soaring electricity costs were threatening their competitiveness and forcing them to consider relocation outside Maharashtra.
“Lower tariffs will help industries stay and grow here. If rates drop again, we won’t have to look at other states like Chhattisgarh,” said an industrialist from Hingna MIDC.
For now, all eyes are on the Supreme Court. While regulatory and legal battles continue, consumers say what matters most is affordability — a fair and stable electricity tariff that does not overburden the common man or industry.
