BEST opposes Adani bid for Dharavi power, plans suburban expansion

BEST is opposing Adani Electricity's bid for a distribution licence in Dharavi, fearing the loss of 87,000 existing consumers and future revenue. The civic utility has formed a task force to submit an action plan within a month to retain consumers and explore expansion into Mumbai's eastern and western suburbs, targeting an 8 to 10 per cent consumer base growth. BEST has filed objections with MERC and will defend its case at the upcoming hearing.

The move comes as BEST currently serves around 10.8 lakh consumers, compared to Adani Electricity's 29 lakh and Tata Power's 7 lakh. The Dharavi redevelopment project is being executed by Adani Navbharat Developers, with Adani Group holding 80 per cent equity. BEST argues it has existing infrastructure in Dharavi and no parallel system is needed. The outcome of MERC proceedings will shape competition among Mumbai's power distributors.