BEST Hikes Island City Power Bills by Up to 95 Paise per Unit
More than 10.8 lakh electricity consumers across Mumbai’s island city, in areas stretching from Colaba and Cuffe Parade to Sion and Mahim, are set to pay higher power bills this month. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) undertaking is levying a Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC) that increases tariffs by up to 95 paise per unit for residential users.
According to BEST sources, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has approved the FAC hike. The regulatory approval will result in an estimated rise of around 8% in electricity bills for many consumers across the municipal utility’s designated distribution area.
Under the revised tariff structure, residential consumers who use up to 100 units in a month will pay an additional 30 paise per unit. Households consuming between 101 and 300 units will be charged an extra 55 paise per unit, while those in the 301 to 500 units bracket will experience an increase of 90 paise per unit. High-end residential users consuming more than 500 units per month will face the steepest increase at 95 paise extra per unit.
The adjustment is projected to bring a noticeable increase in monthly expenses for several households. For instance, consumers falling within the 101 to 300 units consumption slab could see their monthly bills rise by approximately Rs 165. Meanwhile, consumers in the 301 to 500 units category may pay nearly Rs 450 more during the billing cycle.
The revised charge is not limited to domestic households. High-tension (HT) commercial users, including offices, shops, and other commercial establishments operating within the distribution limits, will also face an FAC increase of 55 paise per unit.
