The Winter Session saw tense moments on Tuesday as Nagpur North MLA Dr. Nitin Raut accused the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) of “systematically looting consumers” through illegal tariff hikes and a proposed recovery of nearly ₹11,600 crore. Raut alleged that despite clear court directives, Mahavitaran continued to charge inflated tariffs, misusing MERC’s June review order to restore higher rates that had earlier been corrected by judicial intervention.
He pointed to MERC’s March 28, 2025 tariff order, which had reduced electricity rates after public hearings. However, once MSEDCL filed a review plea, MERC stayed the revised tariff and allowed the company to continue billing consumers at the older, higher rates. Even after the Supreme Court raised concerns in November over irregular recoveries, Raut said the excess billing continued unchecked.
Quoting the Vidarbha Industries Association, he said consumers were paying up to 20% more than the lawful tariff, calling the proposed recovery of ₹11,751 crore “arbitrary and illegal.” Raut demanded immediate state intervention, transparent MERC hearings, a white paper on Mahavitaran’s finances and a forensic audit of tariff additions. With public hearings scheduled from January 3, the issue has emerged as a major flashpoint of the Winter Session.
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