The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is preparing a nearly Rs 200-crore expansion of its electricity distribution network as power consumption across Mumbai’s island city continues to increase.
The move follows concerns over BEST’s ability to supply electricity to new residential and commercial developments, particularly high-rise projects that require larger power loads. BEST Committee Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao has directed officials to strengthen the undertaking’s electricity supply division and actively approach developers and housing projects.
The issue came into focus after Tata Power installed a substation to supply electricity to the Dosti Eastern Bay high-rise in Wadala, where Vishwasrao recently moved.
“I got to know that BEST is not supplying electricity to this society as they did not pursue finding space for a substation. I immediately ordered the administration to start approaching other high-rise buildings and new constructions. I have asked them to seek space near my place of residence as well to cater to other luxury buildings around,” said Vishwasrao.
BEST officials are now identifying large residential and commercial developments across the island city and offering assistance through a single-window clearance system for consumers seeking electricity connections.
Power demand expected to cross 1,100 MW
Peak electricity demand in BEST’s supply area is projected to reach around 1,100 MW over the next two years, compared with approximately 900-950 MW last year. Demand crossed 1,010 MW this summer.
“This summer, the peak demand had crossed 1,010 MW, up from around 950 MW last year. We are being proactive in approaching residential and commercial complexes. In this case, we are in the final stages of getting land for setting up a substation which will benefit the entire Wadala area,” said a BEST official.
The Rs 200-crore programme includes replacing ageing underground cables and constructing more than 10 new substations. Five substations at Wadala, Antop Hill, Sion, Kalbadevi and Girgaum are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The new substations will require about 530 sq m of land and will be ground-plus-two-storey structures, compared with nearly 900 sq m required earlier.
Land availability remains a challenge
Securing suitable land remains a major obstacle, particularly in densely developed areas. Developers may prefer using available land for residential or commercial purposes rather than electricity infrastructure.
“The location, structural specifications, access and other technical parameters have to meet our standards before a site can be approved,” said the official.
BEST currently has around 1.063 million electricity consumers between Colaba-Cuffe Parade and Sion-Mahim. In 2025-26, its Supply Division recorded Rs 4,624 crore in revenue against expenditure of Rs 4,509 crore.
Source: Hindustan Times
