Nashik : Following allegations by Ganapati mandals about delays in receiving the refund of security deposits paid to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited ( MSEDCL ) for temporary power connections, the power utility has decided to accept all connection payments exclusively online this year.
A coordination meeting was recently held between Ganapati mandals and officials from various govt departments, organised by the commissionerate of police. During the meeting, mandal representatives alleged that MSEDCL delayed returning their security deposits. Frustrated by the delays, the mandals threatened to boycott official temporary connections and instead draw power from nearby private sources.
Utility officials highlighted that for over 20 years, power consumed at public events has been metered.
“We have chalked out a plan where our officers will visit every mandal to establish rapport, explain the essential safety features, and persuade them to follow the formal procedure,” the officer added. To support public festivals, MSEDCL offers a special discounted tariff, and charges electricity consumption at residential consumer rates rather than commercial tiers.