Imagine receiving a monthly electricity bill that rivals your rent or home loan EMI. That’s the harsh reality for many residents of Palava, a prominent residential township near Dombivli in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Once considered an aspirational address for homebuyers seeking quality infrastructure, green spaces, and planned urban living, Palava is now grabbing headlines for all the wrong reasons.
In recent months, over 300 families living in 2BHK apartments within the township have seen their electricity bills skyrocket to ₹15,000–₹30,000. To put that into perspective, many of these households were accustomed to paying around ₹2,000–₹2,500 per month until just four months ago. The unexpected surge has triggered financial panic among residents.
One resident shared that their bill jumped from a reasonable ₹2,500 to a shocking ₹20,000. With no option but to pay, they had to take out a personal loan to prevent their electricity from being disconnected. The situation is even more severe for those with larger homes or multiple appliances running—some facing monthly power bills nearing ₹30,000.
The sharp rise has prompted questions: What’s behind these exorbitant charges? Is it metering issues, overbilling, or a sudden change in tariff plans? While investigations are reportedly underway, the lack of clear communication from the township’s utility management has only added to the anxiety.
Palava has long marketed itself as a smart city with efficient infrastructure and tech-enabled services. Ironically, it’s this very promise of smart living that’s now being challenged by soaring utility costs. Residents say they feel trapped—locked into long-term investments but burdened with unaffordable monthly expenses.
Some community groups have begun organizing to demand transparency, third-party audits, and regulatory intervention. Until there is clarity and corrective action, many residents say their dream of premium living has turned into a nightmare.
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