In a significant move to curb delays, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has rolled out a new IT-backed system designed to ensure timely new electricity connections across the state. The reforms, which became effective from January 1, 2026, are a direct response to the strict timelines mandated by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
Streamlining the Connection Process
The core of the initiative is a fully digital workflow. Consumers across Maharashtra, except for some parts of Mumbai which MSEDCL does not serve, can now apply for a new connection entirely online. The process involves submitting the application along with necessary documents on the portal. Subsequently, applicants receive a provisional fee estimate. Once the payment is made and MSEDCL officials verify the submitted details, the installation of a new meter and the provision of the connection are swiftly executed.
Meeting the MERC Mandate with Technology
The primary goal is to adhere to the MERC's stipulated deadlines: three days for metropolitan areas, seven days for urban zones, and fifteen days for rural regions. Officials express confidence that the new online system will make these targets achievable. The entire journey, from application submission to the final system update confirming the new connection, is now tracked digitally.
An MSEDCL official highlighted that the technology will bring unprecedented transparency. "If there is any delay by MSEDCL officials and employees in providing new electricity connections, information technology will help identify the exact stage where the delay occurred. As a result, it has become possible to speed up the overall process," the official stated.
Infrastructure Work and Extended Timelines
The company clarified that the standard 3-15 day deadlines apply where basic electrical infrastructure is already in place. However, in cases where new infrastructure like poles and wires needs to be erected, the MERC has set a longer permissible timeframe of 90 days for providing the connection. The new system is expected to bring greater speed and accountability to both scenarios.
According to MSEDCL, these procedural improvements mark a decisive step towards a more efficient and consumer-friendly service, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that previously caused prolonged waiting periods for new power connections in Maharashtra.
