3 hrs ago
Bhiwandi Protesters Oppose Torrent Power Franchise Extension Beyond 2027
People in Bhiwandi are protesting the electricity company that distributes power in their area.
They want the Maharashtra government to review the arrangement and not extend it after January 2027.
The protest is being led by the Bhiwandi Nyay Manch.
The group says residents and businesses have raised concerns about bills, meters and customer service.
It says electricity costs also affect local powerloom businesses.
The group wants the government to consider other eligible companies if the current arrangement ends.
Torrent Power says it does not set electricity prices; the state regulator does.
The company also says it handles suspected electricity theft according to the rules.
The “Torrent Go Back” agitation entered its third day on Wednesday, with Bhiwandi Nyay Manch leading the protests.
Protesters want Maharashtra to review Torrent Power’s franchise and not extend it after its term ends in January 2027.
The forum cites complaints about bills, meter accuracy, customer service and distribution, and says electricity costs pressure local businesses.
It asked the government to consider other eligible distribution companies, including Tata Power or an eligible Adani Group-associated company.
Torrent Power says Maharashtra’s electricity regulator sets tariffs and that suspected electricity theft cases are handled under applicable rules.
- Who
- The Bhiwandi Nyay Manch, residents, social activists and political representatives are protesting; Torrent Power is the franchisee.
- What
- Protesters want the Maharashtra government to review Torrent Power’s electricity distribution franchise and not extend it beyond January 2027.
- Where
- Bhiwandi city and rural areas, Maharashtra.
- When
- The agitation entered its third day on Wednesday; it began on October 5. The franchise term is scheduled to end in January 2027.
- Why
- The forum cites concerns about electricity bills, meter accuracy, customer service, distribution issues and costs affecting households and businesses.
Bhiwandi Nyay Manch and protesters
Torrent Power
Whether the franchise should continue
Bhiwandi Nyay Manch and protesters
The forum wants the government to review the arrangement and not extend it beyond January 2027, and says other eligible distributors should be considered.
Torrent Power
Torrent Power says another distribution company would need to formally express interest and meet applicable requirements.
Electricity costs and consumer concerns
Bhiwandi Nyay Manch and protesters
The forum says consumers have complaints about bills and distribution, and that electricity-related costs put pressure on households, powerloom operators and businesses.
Torrent Power
Torrent Power says it does not determine tariff rates; the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission sets them.
Vigilance cases
Bhiwandi Nyay Manch and protesters
The forum has highlighted consumer complaints related to vigilance proceedings.
Torrent Power
The company says it takes action in suspected electricity theft cases in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Key facts
- Agitation
- “Torrent Go Back,” led by the Bhiwandi Nyay Manch
- Status
- Entered its third day on Wednesday
- Franchisee
- Torrent Power distributes electricity in Bhiwandi city and rural areas
- Appointment
- Torrent Power was appointed franchisee of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited in 2007
- Current term ends
- January 2027
- Protesters’ concerns
- Bills, meter accuracy, vigilance proceedings, customer service and distribution issues
- Torrent Power’s tariff response
- The company says tariffs are decided by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, not Torrent Power
Quotes
Chetan Badiyani
Torrent Power’s public relations officer
“The tariff rates are decided by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), and not by Torrent Power.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Related news
BEST Opposes Private Power Proposal Amid Dharavi Network Concerns
CPI(M)-Led Palghar Protest Over Smart Meters Blocks Highway
Power Outages Spark Protests as Udhayanidhi Criticises Government
Tamil Nadu Secures Extra Power Amid Heat, Wind Shortfalls
Torrent Power’s capex expansion offers growth, but limits near-term upside
Vijay Reviews Power Outages as Protests Spread Across Tamil Nadu
MSEDCL Mandates Prepaid Smart Meters For Navi Mumbai Festivals
Bombay High Court Approves Tata Power’s 220 KV Line Upgrade
Adani Power Rally Gets Boost From Favourable Electricity Ruling
