The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (MSEDCL) has issued a stern warning to Gram Panchayats and Municipal Councils across Western Maharashtra, including Pune, regarding the unnecessary use of streetlights during daylight hours. The MSEDCL officials have cautioned that action may be taken against local governing bodies found guilty of wasteful electricity consumption.
Local self-governing bodies are entrusted with the responsibility of public safety and street lighting, with MSEDCL providing electricity connections and maintenance for these streetlights. However, in several areas under the jurisdiction of municipal corporations and gram panchayats, streetlights are being needlessly switched on during the daytime. This wastage of electricity, especially during daylight, results in significant losses. The increasing demand for street lighting across the country has led to a rising purchase rate of electricity.
Recognizing this wasteful practice, the MSEDCL has taken action. They have urged local bodies to ensure that streetlights are only activated from evening until morning. The Regional Director of MSEDCL has directed engineers in Pune, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts to disconnect power supply to street poles where electricity is being squandered by local governing bodies.
MSEDCL has also appealed to local governing bodies to install independent or auto on-off switches for streetlights to conserve electricity. With this year’s rainfall shortage potentially leading to water scarcity in the state, there may also be an impact on electricity generation. MSEDCL is already making efforts to meet the state’s electricity demand by purchasing additional power.
