1 Unit Electricity Cost in Maharashtra (2026 MSEDCL Tariff)
If you live in Maharashtra (outside of the core Mumbai city limits), your electricity is provided by MSEDCL (Mahavitaran). Maharashtra historically has had some of the highest electricity tariffs in India due to high industrialization and cross-subsidy structures.
However, for the 2026-27 financial year, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has initiated a multi-year plan to slightly reduce tariffs for residential consumers. Let's look at exactly how much 1 unit of electricity costs you today.
Quick Answer
For a normal residential consumer using less than 100 units, the effective cost is roughly ₹7.10 per Unit (including fixed charges and taxes). If you consume between 101 and 300 units, the marginal cost of the extra units jumps to around ₹11 to ₹12 per Unit.
MSEDCL Residential Tariff Slabs (2026-27)
MSEDCL does not charge a flat rate. They use a "telescopic slab system." The more you consume, the higher the rate you pay for the top units.
| Consumption Slab | Base Energy Charge (per Unit) | Who falls here? |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 100 Units | ~ ₹5.50 | Small homes (Fans, Lights, TV) |
| 101 to 300 Units | ~ ₹9.50 | Standard homes (Fridge + 1 AC) |
| 301 to 500 Units | ~ ₹13.00 | Large homes (Multiple ACs) |
| Above 500 Units | ~ ₹15.00+ | Luxury Villas / Heavy Load |
*Note: Base energy charges do not include Fixed Charges, FAC, and Electricity Duty (16%).
Why is the "Effective" Cost Higher?
If you look at the table, the base rate is ₹5.50 for the first slab. But if you consume exactly 100 units, your bill will not be ₹550. It will be closer to ₹710. This is because of three extra components:
- Fixed Charges: MSEDCL charges a mandatory monthly fixed fee based on your sanctioned load (usually around ₹115 to ₹130 per month for a single-phase connection), even if your house is locked and you consume 0 units.
- Electricity Duty: The Maharashtra state government levies a 16% tax on your total energy consumption.
- Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC): When the global price of coal increases, MSEDCL passes that extra cost to you dynamically through the FAC. This can range from 10 paise to 80 paise per unit.
Time-of-Day (ToD) Concessions
Maharashtra is actively encouraging consumers to shift their heavy load (like running washing machines or charging EVs) to daylight hours to utilize the state's massive solar power grid.
If you have a smart meter, you can get a rebate of up to 85 paise per unit if you consume electricity between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of 1 unit of electricity in Maharashtra?
For residential MSEDCL consumers in 2026, the base energy charge for the first 100 units is approximately ₹5.50 per unit. However, with fixed charges, duty, and FAC, the effective average cost often lands around ₹7.10 per unit.
Is electricity free in Maharashtra?
No, electricity is not free in Maharashtra for general residential consumers, unlike some other states. However, farmers get heavily subsidized or free electricity for agricultural pumps in certain regions.
How does the MSEDCL slab system work?
The tariff increases as you consume more. The 0-100 unit slab is the cheapest. The 101-300 unit slab is more expensive, and anything above 500 units is charged at a premium commercial-like rate.
What is FAC in my MSEDCL bill?
FAC stands for Fuel Adjustment Charge. It is an additional variable charge added to your bill when the cost of coal or gas used to generate electricity increases.
Does Mumbai have different electricity rates?
Yes. While most of Maharashtra is served by MSEDCL (Mahavitaran), Mumbai is served by BEST, Tata Power, and Adani Electricity, which have slightly different (often lower) tariff structures due to dense urban distribution.
Calculate Your Exact Maharashtra Bill
Input your consumed units and our calculator will automatically process the MSEDCL slabs, fixed charges, and 16% duty to give you a highly accurate estimate.
Use the Electricity Bill Calculator