BEST Signs 25-Year Solar Power Deal With SECI, Renewable Energy Share To Rise To 43 Per Cent

Mumbai, September 1, 2026 - The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has inked a significant 25-year solar power deal with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). This agreement will provide BEST with 220 MW of solar power, complemented by a 110 MW/440 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS), in exchange for a rate of Rs 2.87 per unit.

Dr Sonia Sethi, BEST General Manager, signed the deal alongside SECI Executive Director Atulya Naik and Deputy General Manager Sanjeev Singh, with other senior officials from BEST's electricity department in attendance.

This renewable energy procurement is a strategic move for BEST, as it aims to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets and decrease reliance on conventional power sources. Currently, BEST sources about 33% of its total electricity demand (nearly 1,000 MW) from renewable resources. With the new solar capacity, the share of green energy in its overall power mix is projected to climb to 43%.

The included ESS will not only facilitate power storage but also enable its availability during high-demand periods, such as peak evening demand in Maharashtra. This storage capacity will allow BETS to procure electricity at lower rates during these times, thus reducing electricity costs for the undertaking. Furthermore, the deal is anticipated to contribute to lower carbon emissions and further BEST's transition towards cleaner energy sources.