SolarSavings
Understanding your current electricity bill is the first step toward calculating your rooftop solar ROI. In 2026, Maharashtra experiences some of the highest residential and commercial grid tariffs in India, driven by coal shortages and cross-subsidy surcharges enforced by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
This guide breaks down the current 2026 tariff slabs for the three major Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) operating in the state: MSEDCL (Mahavitaran), Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML), and BEST Undertaking.
1. MSEDCL (Mahavitaran) Residential Tariffs (LT-I)
MSEDCL is the primary state-owned DISCOM servicing the vast majority of Maharashtra (excluding parts of Mumbai). If your monthly consumption crosses the 300-unit threshold, your effective per-unit cost skyrockets, making you the ideal candidate for the PM Surya Ghar subsidy.
| Consumption Slab (Units/Month) | Energy Charge (₹/kWh) | Wheeling Charge (₹/kWh) | Total Variable Cost* (₹/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 100 Units | ₹ 5.50 | ₹ 1.20 | ₹ 6.70 |
| 101 - 300 Units | ₹ 10.50 | ₹ 1.20 | ₹ 11.70 |
| 301 - 500 Units | ₹ 14.20 | ₹ 1.20 | ₹ 15.40 |
| 501+ Units | ₹ 16.50 | ₹ 1.20 | ₹ 17.70 |
* Note: Total cost excludes Fixed Charges (₹125/month) and the 16% Electricity Duty, which further inflates the final bill.
2. Mumbai Private DISCOM Tariffs (AEML & BEST)
Homeowners in Mumbai suburbs (serviced by Adani Electricity) or the island city (serviced by BEST) face slightly different regulatory structures. While AEML offers better grid reliability, its high-tier consumption slabs are exceptionally penalizing.
- Adani Electricity (AEML): For consumption above 500 units, the blended energy charge frequently exceeds ₹15.50/kWh. A 5kW solar system in Borivali can yield a payback period of just 2.8 years under these rates.
- BEST Undertaking: While historically cheaper, recent MERC tariff hikes have pushed BEST's top slab (501+ units) to ₹14.80/kWh.
- Tata Power Mumbai: Tata Power often acts as a parallel distributor. Their residential tariffs are marginally lower (around ₹12.50/kWh at the top slab) but fixed charges remain high.
3. The "Solar Offset" Advantage in Maharashtra
When you install a PM Surya Ghar subsidized solar plant, you don't just generate electricity; you systematically knock out your most expensive tariff slabs. This is called the Tiered Offset Effect.
Example: The 3kW Impact
If you consume 600 units a month, your top 100 units are billed at a massive ₹17.70/kWh (under MSEDCL). A standard 3kW solar system generates approximately 360 units a month. Under Net Metering, these 360 units are deducted from your gross consumption. You now only pay for 240 units.
The solar generation entirely eliminates your exposure to the ₹17.70 and ₹15.40 slabs, dropping you down into the cheaper ₹11.70 slab. Your financial savings drop exponentially faster than your energy consumption drops.
4. Time-of-Day (ToD) Tariffs for Commercial Entities
If you are a commercial (LT-II) or industrial (HT-I) consumer in Maharashtra, MERC enforces Time-of-Day tariffs. You are charged a premium (up to ₹1.50 extra per unit) during peak morning (0900-1200 hrs) and evening (1800-2200 hrs) slots. Since solar generation peaks precisely during the morning high-tariff window, a captive commercial solar plant serves as an instant hedge against peak ToD penalties.