BEST issues monsoon electrical safety advisory for residents in Mumbai, check details here

BEST has activated its 24-hour fuse control rooms across various parts of Mumbai. Representational Pic/File

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking on Tuesday issued a monsoon safety advisory for electricity consumers in Mumbai, urging residents to take precautions to avoid electric shocks and accidents during the rainy season.

The advisory comes as heavy rainfall and waterlogging increase the risk of electrical hazards, particularly near meter cabins, streetlight poles and power distribution installations.

BEST has advised consumers not to touch electrical installations, meter cabins or switchboards if water is leaking into them unless they are wearing proper safety equipment such as rubber gloves, rubber boots or are standing on an insulated platform.

The utility warned that wet electrical equipment can pose a serious risk of electrocution.

Stay away from sparking electrical installations

According to an official statement, the residents have also been asked to avoid touching streetlight poles, red-coloured distribution pillars and electricity meters if sparks are visible or if water is dripping onto the equipment.

Consumers should immediately report such incidents to the nearest fuse control room.

BEST has recommended that electricity meter cabins be constructed with cement and installed above ground level to prevent rainwater from entering.

Homeowners have also been advised to get their internal wiring and electrical systems inspected by licensed electrical contractors before and during the monsoon season.

The utility further suggested the use of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) with appropriate ratings to improve household safety.

Switch off main power supply during water ingress

According to the advisory, consumers should switch off the main electricity supply to their homes if water enters the meter cabin or if heavy rain causes electrical installations to become unsafe.

Power should only be restored after repairs have been completed and safety has been confirmed by a licensed electrician or BEST personnel.

BEST said it has made all necessary preparations to assist consumers during the monsoon and has strengthened its complaint redressal mechanisms.

However, the undertaking noted that in certain situations it may be necessary to temporarily suspend power supply as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and protect public safety.

Officials also appealed to residents to cooperate with maintenance teams, especially during emergencies when waterlogging may delay repair work and fault detection in underground cables.

24-hour fuse control rooms available

BEST has activated its 24-hour fuse control rooms across various parts of Mumbai to respond to power-related complaints and emergencies.

Consumers have been urged to contact their respective control rooms immediately if they notice sparking, electric shocks, damaged electrical infrastructure or any other potentially dangerous situations.

With the monsoon season intensifying, BEST has appealed to citizens to remain alert and strictly follow safety guidelines to prevent fire or electrical accidents.