Mumbai: With large-scale redevelopment projects accelerating across the island city, the BEST undertaking faces mounting anxiety over losing more than a lakh consumers to private power distribution companies.
Deputy general manager (electric supply) S P Makwana told TOI: “BEST supplies power to all categories of consumers, from large industrial and commercial users to small households and slum pockets and is not into cherry picking unlike a private utility.
“I was surprised to discover that a private player was supplying power right where I reside,” Vishwasrao stated. “I have formally recommended that BEST utilise an adjacent vacant plot to set up a substation so our network can power the residences in my building.”
BEST currently serves nearly 11 lakh electricity consumers across Mumbai and we will certainly increase the consumer base.
Echoing the concern, another committee member, Ajay Singh, said: “Our marketing team from the power supply wing must directly liaise with developers and builders. “Our specialised team aggressively tracks every high-rise and redevelopment site.” Large consumers help provide cross-subsidy that supports affordable power for other sections. If such consumers migrate to other suppliers, it impacts our revenue base. To address this, I have created a dedicated marketing team with a clear strategy to retain existing consumers and attract new ones. We must secure space for BEST substations inside every upcoming high-rise and cluster project from day one. Responding to the concerns, a senior BEST official maintained that proactive steps are underway.