In a significant move following a directive from the Supreme Court, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has announced a series of public hearings across the state to consult stakeholders before deciding on a contentious power tariff review petition filed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL).
Public Hearings Scheduled Across Maharashtra
The regulatory body will conduct these crucial consultations at six locations in January 2026. The schedule for the public hearings is as follows: Amravati on January 2, Nagpur on January 3, Navi Mumbai on January 5, Nashik on January 6, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on January 7, and Pune on January 8.
MSEDCL published a detailed public notice in multiple newspapers on Friday, outlining the process. Consumers and stakeholder groups who wish to participate must file their formal suggestions and objections regarding the review petition by 5 pm on December 27, 2025.
The notice also mandates that MSEDCL shall reply to each objection or comment within three days of receipt, but not later than December 31, 2025, for all submissions received by the December 27 deadline.
A Timeline of Tariff Orders and Legal Challenges
The current situation stems from a series of orders issued by MERC earlier this year. On March 28, the commission issued a Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) order that significantly reduced power tariffs. This order was widely praised by consumers, organizations, and power experts as a historic, consumer-friendly decision.
However, following an appeal by MSEDCL, MERC took the unusual step of staying its own order. Subsequently, on June 25, MERC issued a revision order on MSEDCL's review petition. This revised order, according to power experts, led to a substantial increase in tariffs compared to the March directive.
This revision triggered immediate legal backlash. Multiple writ petitions were filed before the Bombay High Court by energy companies, industry associations, and consumer groups. The petitioners argued that MERC's review order was issued without inviting public comments or holding hearings with stakeholders, despite introducing major policy and tariff changes.
Supreme Court Intervention and the Path Forward
The Bombay High Court quashed MERC's review petition but stayed its own order for four weeks, allowing time for MERC and MSEDCL to approach the Supreme Court. MSEDCL did indeed appeal to the apex court last month.
On November 17, the Supreme Court issued a decisive order. It directed MERC to take a final decision on MSEDCL's review petition only after consulting all stakeholders. The court gave the commission a timeframe of 12 weeks to complete this consultative process and arrive at a decision.
The upcoming public hearings in Nagpur and other cities are a direct result of this Supreme Court directive. They represent a critical opportunity for electricity consumers, industries, and advocacy groups to formally present their views on a decision that will impact the power bills of millions across Maharashtra.
