Mumbai, April 22 (AHN) In an important decision aimed at achieving a "$1 trillion Economy" for the state, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday sanctioned a comprehensive financial and institutional overhaul of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran).

The government resolution (GR) issued by the Department of Industry, Energy, Labour, and Mining, marks a significant shift in the state's power distribution landscape.

To strengthen Mahavitaran's balance sheet, the state government will take over government-guaranteed loans amounting to Rs 32,679 crore.

These liabilities arose primarily due to mounting agricultural arrears that had forced the utility into heavy borrowing.

To manage this debt, the state will issue 15-year government bonds with a 10-year moratorium on principal repayment.

The Mahavitaran is the state-run distribution company with a consumer base of 3.5 crore.

A core component of the reform is non-agricultural operations.

Agri Entity (MSEB Solar Agro Power Limited -- MSAPL): This new independent body will focus exclusively on providing power and services to the state's 4.5 million agricultural consumers.

The non Agri entity will operate on commercial principles, serving industrial, commercial, and domestic consumers to ensure high-quality, reliable power.

Both entities will be recognised as "Deemed Distribution Licensees" under the Electricity Act, 2003.

While Mahavitaran will continue to handle power procurement and infrastructure maintenance for both sectors initially, the Agri Entity will pay service charges for these operations.

The state government has cleared the way for the non-agricultural wing of Mahavitaran to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The roadmap suggests the IPO process will begin six to nine months after the demerger is finalised.

Preliminary estimates suggest a potential fundraise of Rs 7,500 crore to Rs 10,000 crore through a mix of fresh stock issues and an "Offer for Sale" by the state government.

Funds are earmarked for infrastructure expansion, smart metering, digital systems, and energy transition projects.

The restructuring scheme is set to take effect from April 1, 2026.

A high-level committee led by the Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal will monitor the implementation to ensure all targets are met by March 31, 2027.

This move is expected to bring transparency to social subsidies, attract private investment, and ultimately lead Mahavitaran out of its current loss-making status toward long-term profitability.