Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited


Mahavitaran or Mahadiscom or MSEDCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board. It is the largest electricity distribution utility in India. MSEDCL distributes electricity to the entire state of Maharashtra except for some parts of Mumbai city where Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, Tata Power and Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited are electricity distributors.

History

The erstwhile Maharashtra State Electricity Board was looking after the generation, transmission & distribution of electricity in the state of Maharashtra. With the enactment of the Electricity Act 2003 of the Government of India, MSEB was unbundled into four companies on 6 June 2005 viz.
  • MSEB Holding Company Limited
  • Mahanirmiti or Mahagenco
  • Mahapareshan or Mahatransco
  • Mahavitaran or Mahadiscom
Of these, Mahavitaran is responsible for the distribution of electricity throughout the state by buying power from either MahaGenco, Captive Power Plants, or from other State Electricity Boards and Private sector power generation companies. The 'MSEB Holding Company' was created to hold all the stakes in these three companies.

Customers

As per the latest data, MSEDCL serves a total of 3.16 crore consumers, with the residential category forming the largest share at 74.69% of total connections, followed by agriculture at 15.17%. Despite its smaller consumer base, the agriculture sector accounts for the highest energy consumption at 53.48% of total usage. HT-industrial consumers, though only 0.05% of the total, contribute significantly with 19.51% of energy consumption. Other major segments include LT-industrial and HT-other. Overall, MSEDCL recorded a total consumption of 17,160 million units, reflecting a diverse consumer mix and energy usage pattern across Maharashtra.

Financials

In FY 2024–25, MSEDCL reported standalone revenue from operations of ₹1,21,707 crore and total income of ₹1,27,997 crore . After recognising a ₹8,208 crore net movement in regulatory deferral balances, the company posted a profit of ₹922 crore. Total assets stood at ₹1,96,162 crore, funded by equity of ₹44,339 crore and liabilities including ₹90,659 crore of borrowings. Trade receivables were ₹59,015 crore, while cash and cash equivalents were ₹8,214 crore as of 31 March 2025. Other equity remained negative at ₹ crore, reflecting accumulated losses from prior periods despite the year's profit.

Organisation structure

MSEDCL operates through a network of offices consisting of a corporate office in Mumbai, four regional offices, 16 zonal offices, 44 circle offices, and 145 divisional offices.

Infrastructure

MSEDCL operates one of India's largest power distribution networks, ensuring electricity supply across urban and rural Maharashtra. The system comprises 4,313 substations, 28,703 outgoing feeders, and over 9.68 lakh distribution transformers, supported by 7,889 power transformers. The extensive transmission network includes 448,135 circuit kilometres of high-tension lines and 717,448 circuit kilometres of low-tension lines. MSEDCL serves a massive consumer base of 3.16 crore consumers spread across 44,778 villages and 534 towns. The utility efficiently managed a maximum demand of 26,495 MW on 18 March 2025, reflecting its robust infrastructure and operational capability. The agricultural sector is a major focus, with 8,714 agricultural feeders, ensuring reliable power supply to the farming community.

Human resource development

MSEDCL has a workforce of about 55,000 people and serving more than 3.5 crore consumers across Maharashtra. The workforce comprises engineers, technical staff, officers, and support personnel, who operate a vast network of offices and electrical infrastructure to ensure reliable power distribution. MSEDCL employees are recognized for maintaining operations, improving consumer services, and leading impactful initiatives such as award-winning electrical safety campaigns, reflecting a strong commitment to public service and innovation.

Important Projects Undertaken by MSEDCL

MSEDCL has undertaken several transformative infrastructure and renewable energy projects aimed at improving power supply reliability, reducing distribution losses, meeting renewable energy targets, and providing quality electricity across Maharashtra.

Solar Power Initiatives

Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana (MSKVY)

The MSKVY is the world's largest decentralized solar power generation scheme designed to provide reliable daytime electricity to farmers.
MSKVY (Original Scheme)
  • Contracted capacity: 1,531 MW
  • Commissioned capacity : 612 MW
  • Beneficiaries: Approximately 102,642 farmers
  • Agricultural feeders solarized: 243 distribution feeders
The scheme solarizes 11 kV agricultural feeders through grid-connected solar power projects of 2–10 MW capacity installed within 5 km radius of agriculture-dominated substations.
MSKVY 2.0 (Launched May 2023)
  • Original target: 7,000 MW by December 2025
  • Revised target: 16,000 MW by December 2026
  • Letters of Award issued: 9,155 MW
  • Project size range: 0.5 to 25 MW
The scheme aims to achieve 30% feeder solarization, eventually targeting 100% daytime electricity supply to all 4.5 million agricultural consumers in Maharashtra. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has recommended other states adopt similar models under the PM-KUSUM Component-C scheme.
Impact
  • Cost savings: MSEDCL expected to save approximately Rs 300 crore annually from approved solar feeder projects
  • Procurement efficiency: Solar power at competitive tariffs of Rs 2.60–3.10/kWh
  • RPO contribution: Solar feeder generation contributes 31% of MSEDCL's total solar procurement
  • Loss reduction: Localized generation reduces transmission and distribution losses
  • Agricultural productivity: Reliable daytime power supply improves farming efficiency and reduces inconvenience of nighttime-only power supply

    Large-Scale Solar Procurement

Centralized Solar Projects
  • Total contracted capacity: 6,931 MW
  • Commissioned capacity : 3,706 MW
  • New PPAs executed in FY 2023-24: 2,854.7 MW
In September 2024, MERC approved an additional 5,991 MW of solar power procurement under MSKVY 2.0, split into 5,745 MW under open tender and 246 MW in cluster tender at a ceiling tariff of Rs 3.10/kWh. MSEDCL also secured approval for 1,475 MW of solar power from NHPC at Rs 2.60/unit for 25 years—among the lowest rates for large-scale solar in India.
Decentralized Solar Projects
  • Total contracted capacity: 1,793 MW
  • Commissioned capacity : 625 MW

    PM-KUSUM Scheme Implementation

MSEDCL implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan across three components:
Component A: Decentralized Grid-Connected Projects
  • Sanctioned capacity: 500 MW
  • Contracted: 154 MW
  • Commissioned: 2 MW
    Component B: Off-Grid Solar Pumps
  • Target: 2,00,000 solar agricultural pumps
  • Installed : 11,335 pumps
  • Beneficiary contribution: 10% for general category, 5% for SC/ST
  • Central government support: 30% of benchmark cost
    Component C: Feeder Level Solarization
  • Sanctioned: 775,000 agricultural pumps
  • Contracted capacity: 108 MW
  • Commissioned capacity: 11.5 MW
Impact: Provides farmers with off-grid solar pumping solutions, reducing grid dependency and creating income opportunities through surplus power generation.

Rooftop Solar Scheme

Overall Progress (April 2024)
  • Total installed capacity: 2,030 MW
  • Number of consumers: 139,500
By category:
  • Residential: 626 MW
  • Industrial: 799 MW
  • Commercial: 319 MW
  • Others: 286 MW
    MNRE Phase-II Scheme
  • 100 MW target : 32.01 MW installed for 6,876 consumers
  • Central Financial Assistance: 40% for first 3 kW, 20% for 3–10 kW capacity
    PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana (February 2024)
  • Installed capacity: 10.33 MW for 2,396 consumers
  • Subsidy structure: Rs 30,000/kW up to 2 kW; Rs 18,000/kW for additional capacity up to 3 kW; capped at Rs 78,000
    SMART Solar Scheme (October 2025)
Maharashtra government launched the Swayampurna Maharashtra Residential Roof Top solar scheme with heavy subsidies for low-income consumers:
  • BPL consumers: 95% subsidy
  • SC/ST consumers: 90% subsidy
  • Other low-consumption households: 80% subsidy
  • Budget allocation: Rs 330 crore for 2025-26, Rs 325 crore for 2026-27
  • Expected beneficiaries: 5 lakh households
This scheme targets households consuming less than 100 units monthly, democratizing access to distributed solar power generation.

Lift Irrigation Schemes (LIS) Solarization

In September 2024, MERC approved procurement of 1,052 MW of solar power for lift irrigation schemes:
  • Revenue-neutral model ensuring financial sustainability
  • Ceiling tariff: Rs 0.90/kWh
  • Objectives: Reduce government subsidy burden, provide reliable irrigation power, reduce carbon emissions

    High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS)

The HVDS scheme, with a revised cost of Rs 4,734.61 crore, provides quality power supply to agricultural consumers through dedicated infrastructure.

Progress Achieved

  • Pending paid consumers resolved: 138,830
  • Distribution Transformer Centers commissioned: 135,697
  • Agricultural connections released: 138,830
New infrastructure created:
  • New substations: 93
  • Power transformer augmentations: 55
  • Capacitor banks: 13

    Advantages

  • Reliable and uninterrupted power supply to agricultural areas
  • Reduction in electrical accidents and transformer failures
  • Significant reduction in distribution losses
  • Improved voltage profile and power quality
Small capacity transformers serve only 1–2 agricultural consumers, compared to 15–20 consumers per transformer in conventional low voltage systems, drastically reducing technical and commercial losses.
Impact: Completed electrification targets in Vidarbha, Marathwada, and most of Maharashtra with pending connections only in Ratnagiri district.

Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)

MSEDCL received approval for Phase-I works worth Rs 27,697 crore out of a total DPR of Rs 43,807 crore.

Work Orders Issued

  • Loss Reduction Works: Rs 5,673 crore
  • Feeder Separation Works: Rs 7,235 crore
  • Smart Metering Works: Rs 28,996 crore
  • IT/OT Works: Rs 95 crore

    Key Components

  • Installation of 1.66 crore prepaid smart meters statewide
  • Construction of 527 new 33/11 kV substations
  • Capacity enhancement of 705 substations
  • Installation of 29,893 new distribution transformers
  • SCADA systems development in 21 cities

    Expected Outcomes

  • Reduce AT&C losses from current levels to 12–15%
  • Improve billing efficiency and reduce arrears
  • Enhanced consumer service through real-time monitoring
  • Agricultural feeder separation for better daytime power supply
  • Funding: 60% Central government grant, 40% through loans

    MSKVY 2.0 System Strengthening Works

To support the massive 16,000 MW solar capacity addition, MSEDCL identified 2,732 substations requiring infrastructure upgrades.

Progress Achieved

  • VCB replacement: 196 units
  • 11 kV APFC panel installation: 11 units
  • Isolator installation/replacement: 751 units
  • CT/PT replacement: 741 units
  • Battery charger/battery set replacement: 380 units
  • Relay replacement: 472 units
  • Equipment earthing: 685 units
  • 33 kV line upgradation: 10 km
  • 11 kV 300 sq mm cable: 8 km
Benefits: Effective evacuation of decentralized solar power, strengthened protection systems, and enhanced capacity at existing substations to accommodate solar integration.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Under the Maharashtra EV Policy 2021, MSEDCL serves as the State Nodal Agency for EV charging infrastructure rollout.

Progress (March 2024)

  • EV charging stations commissioned by MSEDCL: 63 at prime locations
  • Total EV charging stations in state: 3,083
  • Distribution: Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, and other cities
  • All stations listed on BEE's EV Yatra portal

    PowerUpEV Mobile Application

Official application by Government of Maharashtra featuring:
  • Station locator with real-time availability
  • Multiple payment options
  • Charging history and records
  • Complaint tracking and resolution
  • Available in English and Marathi
Target: 10% of new vehicle registrations as battery electric vehicles by March 2025, with 25% of public transport in six polluted cities to be battery electric.

Infrastructure Addition (FY 2023-24)

Substations and Transmission

  • New substations commissioned: 51 plus 3 switching stations
  • Capacity added: 330 MVA
  • Sub-transmission lines energized: 10,674 circuit-km

    Power and Distribution Transformers

  • Power transformers added: 124 units
  • Total power transformers: 6,736
  • Distribution transformers added: 83,913 units
  • Total distribution transformers: 939,103

    Distribution Network

  • HT lines added: 18,547 km overhead, 1,550 km underground
  • LT lines added: 5,790 km overhead, 817 km underground, 2,816 km aerial bunch cable
  • Total network: 1,134,995 km HT lines, 717,025 km LT lines

    Agricultural Pump Energization

  • Total pumps energized in FY 2023-24: 112,942
  • Cumulative total in Maharashtra: 4,869,036 pumps

    System Strengthening in Metropolitan Region (SSMR)

Scheme cost: Rs 438 crore for Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions:
  • RMU installation/replacement: 559 units
  • HT lines: 761.82 km
  • LT lines: 426 km
  • Expenditure: Rs 369.05 crore
  • Focus on high revenue pocket areas for improved reliability

    Overall Impact

MSEDCL's comprehensive project portfolio, with solar initiatives as its cornerstone, creates multi-dimensional impact:

Environmental Benefits

  • Displacement of fossil fuel-based generation reducing carbon emissions
  • Contributing to India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement
  • Reduced coal imports improving energy security
  • Battery storage integration planning

    Economic Benefits

  • Procurement cost reduction through competitive solar tariffs
  • Reduced cross-subsidy burden on industrial and commercial consumers
  • Expected decline in electricity tariffs
  • 7 lakh jobs expected from renewable energy initiatives
  • Attraction of climate-conscious investors for green manufacturing

    Social Benefits

  • Reliable daytime power to 4.5 million farmers improving agricultural productivity
  • Enhanced quality of life with improved power supply accessibility
  • Women's increased participation in agriculture due to daytime power availability
  • Energy access to remote tribal areas through PM JANMAN scheme
  • Financial relief for low-income consumers through SMART solar scheme

    Operational Benefits

  • Distribution loss reduction from 17.95% toward target of 12–15%
  • Improved voltage profile and power quality
  • Reduced transformer failure rates
  • Enhanced consumer satisfaction through smart metering and digital systems

    Grid Modernization

  • Smart meter rollout improving billing accuracy and reducing electricity theft
  • SCADA systems enabling real-time monitoring and control
  • Integration of distributed renewable energy sources at scale
  • Feeder separation enabling dedicated agricultural power supply

    Major achievements post-restructuring

Maharashtra has a record number, highest as compared to any state, of agricultural pumps energized so far. The number is about 30 lakhs. Earlier, there was a long list of pending applications and the farmers used to wait for years together for supply. The issue was addressed in a proper perspective by MSEDCL. Nowadays about 1 lakh agricultural pumps are energized every year. MSEDCL, in a year or two, would be in a position to grant agricultural connections on-demand on par with other categories of consumers.

Loss reduction

In five years, MSEDCL reduced distribution losses from 35% to 20% through various drives such as:

Anti-theft drive

This is being implemented on regular basis. MSEDCL has established 50 flying squads functioning under Security and Enforcement department to detect and handle power theft cases quickly.

Meter shifting

For many consumers, meters were installed in hard-to-access places, making theft easy to conceal. MSEDCL, therefore, decided to shift all meters to the front of buildings to make them as conspicuous as possible. This project is currently in progress on a large scale.

Mass meter replacement project

MSEDCL has decided to replace all the meters which have been in service for the last 10 years and more under the mass meter replacement program. It is planned to replace all the electromechanical meters with static ones. A process has already been initiated for purchasing about 30 lakh meters for the purpose. This is a huge project which will definitely lead to increase in metered sales.

Energy accounting

MSEDCL has undertaken accurate energy accounting through various methods such as :

Feeder metering

MSEDCL plans to install high-quality meters at all necessary system points, including interconnecting points. Feeder metering of all 10,240 feeders in complete and again, photo reading of these feeder meters are taken.

DTC metering

There are total 2,84,633 distribution transformer centers in operation, out of which about 1.51 lakh DTCs have already been metered.

Distribution franchisee

Bhiwandi, a power loom city, had typical problems like rampant theft and non-payment. MSEDCL opted for an input-based franchisee model for electricity distribution. It has handed over Bhiwandi Circle to M/S Torrent Power on 26 January 2007. This experiment proved to be very successful and a trendsetter in the power distribution sector of the Country. Its later distribution franchisee attempts for Aurangabad Urban I & II Divisions of Aurangabad Urban Circle and Gandhibag, Civil Lines, and Mahal Divisions of Nagpur Urban Circle miserably failed after a few years of operation and MSEDCL has to take over these areas after facing a huge loss of revenue from these two metro cities. The company has appointed distribution franchisees for Malegaon town.

Zero load shedding model

A zero load shedding model is being implemented at certain places with the active participation of local citizens through consumer groups and peoples representatives. The mechanism is extremely transparent and is prior approved by the regulator. In this model, a costly power to the extent of shortfall is arranged for which a reliability charge is levied upon the local consumers. Beginning in Pune, the model was implemented in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pen and Baramati. MSEDCL itself filed a petition before the MERC for implementing a zero load shedding model at all the headquarters of revenue divisions - Nagpur, Amravati, Navi Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad. The MERC approved the proposal and the model was implemented at these headquarters from December 2009. MSEDCL has planned to extend it further to district headquarters, taluka headquarters and so on.