MUMBAI, Aug. 17 -- The BEST undertaking is on a Rs.200 crore overdrive to strengthen its power supply network after BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao flagged a lackadaisical approach by the authorities. Vishwasrao, who recently moved to a 50-storeyed tower in Wadala, was shocked to learn that Tata Power is supplying electricity to the luxury Dosti Eastern Bay high-rise, while BEST had failed to take the required initiative to supply power to the project. Vishwasrao said she recently moved to the housing society, which she had booked a few years ago. She is residing in a 4-BHK apartment that faces the Atal Setu and Eastern Freeway. She has directed officials to step up efforts to market and strengthen the undertaking's electricity supply division. "I got to know that BEST is not supplying electricity to this society as they did not pursue to find space for substation. I immediately ordered the administration to start approaching other high-rise buildings and new constructions. I have asked them to seek space near my place of residence as well to cater to other luxury buildings around," said Vishwasrao. The issue came to light after Tata Power set up a substation to supply electricity to the high-rise. The development has prompted questions within BEST over its ability to cater to the growing power requirements of new residential and commercial projects in the island city. Vishwasrao has now directed the BEST administration to aggressively market its electricity supply division and ensure that the undertaking is better positioned to retain and attract consumers. Officials familiar with the matter said they are identifying large towers across the island city and providing all possible assistance to those approaching BEST for power supply through single-window clearance. The development comes at a time when Mumbai's electricity demand is rising rapidly. According to sources, peak power demand in BEST's supply area is expected to reach 1,100 MW over the next two years, compared with around 900-950 MW last year. "This summer, the peak demand had crossed 1,010 MW, up from around 950 MW last year. We are being proactive in approaching residential and commercial complexes. In this case, we are in the final stages of getting land for setting up a substation which will benefit the entire Wadala area," said a BEST official. To prepare for the projected increase, BEST is working on a nearly Rs.200 crore infrastructure plan to replace ageing power cables and establish new substations across the island city. A key component of the plan is the construction of new substations. Officials said improving infrastructure and ensuring reliable supply would be crucial if the undertaking wants to expand its consumer base while retaining existing consumers....