Archive · 12 Sep 2026
MSEDCL Mandates Prepaid Smart Meters For Navi Mumbai Festivals
MSEDCL is changing how festival groups get temporary electricity in Navi Mumbai.
From 2026, groups must use prepaid smart meters.
This means they pay before using electricity, like adding money to a mobile phone.
Groups can apply online through the utility’s website or app.
They still need to submit documents at a branch office.
Public festivals can receive electricity at domestic tariff rates.
MSEDCL says organisers must use approved connections and qualified electricians.
It also warned groups to keep pandals and processions safely away from overhead wires.
Using electricity without permission can lead to serious accidents and legal penalties.
Public Ganesh mandals and religious-festival organisers in Navi Mumbai must use prepaid smart meters for temporary electricity connections from 2026.
Organisers must pay for electricity in advance, using a system compared with mobile-phone recharging.
Applications can be submitted through the MSEDCL website or official mobile app, while documents must be filed at the relevant branch office.
Public festivals, including Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Eid, Diwali and Christmas, can receive electricity at domestic tariff rates.
MSEDCL warned organisers to use authorised connections, certified contractors and safe pandal wiring to prevent shocks, fires and other accidents.
- Who
- Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), public Ganesh mandals and organisers of religious festivals.
- What
- MSEDCL made prepaid smart meters and advance payment mandatory for temporary festival electricity connections.
- When
- From the 2026 Ganeshotsav season; the announcement is dated September 12, 2026.
- Where
- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To require authorised electricity use and promote safer temporary wiring and festival installations.
- Utility
- Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL)
- Requirement
- Prepaid smart meters for temporary festival electricity connections
- Payment method
- Advance payment before electricity use
- Application process
- Applications through the MSEDCL website or official mobile application; documents submitted at the concerned branch office
- Tariff
- Public festivals may receive electricity at domestic tariff rates
- Safety warning
- Organisers must use authorised connections, certified electrical contractors and safe wiring
- Legal penalty
- Unauthorised electricity use is covered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, with imprisonment of up to three years besides penalties