Archive · 23 Sep 2026
BEST Extends Abhay Scheme Cut-Off To August 2023
BEST helps provide electricity in Mumbai.
It has a scheme called Abhay for people with very old unpaid electricity bills.
The scheme previously covered bills unpaid through March 31, 2022.
Now it will include bills pending through August 31, 2023.
About 18,000 to 19,000 consumers may be able to use it.
BEST hopes to recover Rs 43-45 crore.
Committee members want the scheme to be widely advertised.
They suggested promotional vehicles, social media and other ways to inform residents.
BEST’s committee approved extending the Abhay Scheme-2026 to electricity dues pending through August 31, 2023.
The earlier eligibility cut-off was March 31, 2022.
The extension is expected to benefit 18,000-19,000 consumers and recover Rs 43-45 crore.
BEST estimates the revised cut-off will add about 2,000 eligible consumers and generate Rs 3-4 crore more.
Officials will promote the scheme across Mumbai through vehicles, social media and other platforms.
- Who
- BEST and its committee, including chairperson Trishna Vishwasrao, approved the revised scheme.
- What
- The Abhay Scheme-2026 cut-off for eligible electricity arrears was extended to August 31, 2023.
- When
- The decision was approved on September 23, 2026.
- Where
- Mumbai, across the areas served by BEST.
- Why
- To help consumers settle old electricity dues and enable BEST to recover outstanding revenue.
- Revised cut-off date
- August 31, 2023
- Previous cut-off date
- March 31, 2022
- Expected beneficiaries
- Approximately 18,000-19,000 consumers
- Estimated recovery
- Rs 43-45 crore
- Existing outstanding dues
- Around 16,900 consumers owe nearly Rs 39 crore
- Amount recovered so far
- About Rs 10.62 crore
- Scheme launched
- 2009