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How long is load shedding legally allowed in rural areas? Where and how can you file a complaint regarding this? find out
Samira Vishwas | September 5, 2026 4:24 AM CST

  • Power supply and load shedding rules apply differently for agriculture and village feeders in rural areas.
  • In case of sudden or additional power outage, citizens can register a complaint on the official helpline of Mahavitran and call the number.
  • If the initial complaint is not redressed then appeal can be made through legal process to CGRF and Electricity Ombudsman.

The following are the fixed legal criteria and grievance redressal procedure for consumers as laid down by Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and Mahadistribution (MSEDCL) regulations regarding load shedding in rural areas of Maharashtra.

1. How long is load shedding legally allowed in rural areas??

Electricity supply norms are determined as per MERC standards and electricity bill collection based protocol,

  • Agricultural channel: The government's policy is to provide electricity for agriculture on a cyclic basis for 8 hours a day or 10 hours at night. That is, the remaining 14 to 16 hours are technically considered authorized loadshedding. (Many people live in agricultural areas (farms). Its electricity can also be cut off under these rules.)
  • Rural village channel: Loadshedding beyond 4 to 8 hours is generally considered illegal on village feeders without any technical reason or prior notice.
  • Ban on unannounced load shedding: Sudden loadshedding without prior notice is considered a service fault as per MERC norms. Maha distribution cannot do arbitrary load shedding except in case of technical failure or emergency.

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2. Where and how to complain against excess and illegal load shedding?

In case of additional power outages, as a common citizen, you can file a complaint at the following places in a phased manner,

Stage 1: Initial complaint through official channels of Mahavitran

  • Toll-Free Number: 1800-233-3435 or 1800-102-3435 (Make sure to register the complaint number / Ticket ID).
  • WhatsApp / SMS: Mahavitran's mobile app – MSEDCL App, or by sending a message to 1912.
  • Complaint in writing: Apply in writing with acknowledgment to the office of the local Junior Engineer or Deputy Executive Engineer.

Phase 2: Internal Grievance Redressal Cell – CGRF – Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum

If your primary level is not resolved within 24 to 48 hours:

  • A Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum is functioning in each circle as per the rules of MERC.
  • There submit application against negligence of power distribution and excess load shedding by filling 'Form C'. You can register any other queries or complaints regarding electricity distribution here.

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Phase 3: Electric Ombudsman

  • If not satisfied with the decision of CGRF or if no decision is received within 60 days then final appeal can be made to Vidyut Lokpal of Maharashtra State.

3. Right to legal redress

As per the provisions of MERC Regulations, 2021,

  • In case of unannounced power cut: per hour or per day from Mahavitraan in case of interruption of power supply for more than a specified time (eg if power is off for more than 24 hours) Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 The customer has the right to seek compensation up to
  • An application to the Grievance Redressal Forum is required to get this compensation.

 

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