Mumbai

Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said Maharashtra has become power surplus and is well-prepared to meet rising electricity demand from industries and data centres.

Replying to a debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said electricity tariffs would remain stable even as the state increases its share of green energy.

He noted that Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran) has emerged as one of Asia’s largest power distribution utilities, with annual revenues exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.

“Maharashtra is power surplus and well-prepared to meet the rising demand from industry and data centres,” he said.

Highlighting policy changes, the chief minister said the state has revised its Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff structure to align with increased solar power generation. Consumers are now offered up to 25 per cent concession for electricity usage between 9 am and 5 pm, when solar energy availability is high.

Fadnavis said industrial power consumption in the state has grown by 23 per cent over the past three years, reflecting strong industrial expansion.

On data centres, he said Maharashtra accounts for nearly 60 per cent of India’s total capacity and is planning for an additional 4,500 MW demand over the next five years.

Outlining the green energy roadmap, he said 52 per cent of electricity will come from renewable sources by 2030 and 65 per cent by 2035, supported by battery storage and pumped storage projects to ensure grid stability.

The state will maintain a stable tariff regime for the next five years, ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply, he added.

Addressing concerns of solar power producers, Fadnavis suggested battery storage as a solution for round-the-clock access to cheaper electricity and said the government is promoting such technologies.

He also pointed out that earlier calculation errors by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission in power procurement estimates were corrected after being flagged by the state, preventing potential financial stress and tariff hikes.

Currently, Maharashtra’s industrial tariff stands at ₹8.32 per unit, which Fadnavis said is competitive and expected to decline further, boosting the state’s attractiveness for investment.