April 13, 2025
Mumbai: In a world where rising energy costs and environmental consciousness are dominating global discourse, a staggering electricity bill from 2010 is making headlines once more in 2025. Mukesh Ambani’s 27-story private residence, Antilia, located in the heart of Mumbai, reportedly consumed a jaw-dropping 6,37,240 units of electricity in a single month—resulting in a bill of ₹70,69,488.
At the time, this enormous figure stunned the country, and now, 15 years later, it has resurfaced on social media, reigniting conversations around the extravagant lifestyle of India’s richest family and the environmental cost of luxury.
A Mansion Like No Other
Antilia isn’t just any residence—it’s a vertical palace that spans over 400,000 square feet, towering over Altamount Road, one of the most expensive residential streets in the world. With three helipads, multiple swimming pools, a multi-level spa, salon, ballroom, ice room, 600 staff members, and a high-tech cooling system, the building requires a massive amount of energy to maintain daily operations.
To put the 2010 electricity bill into perspective:
- The 6,37,240 units of electricity consumed could power 2,120 average Indian homes for a month.
- It could also run 1,455 streetlights for an entire year.
- Or charge a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) for over 13,000 trips.
These comparisons, widely shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram in 2025, have left netizens both amazed and concerned.
The Viral Revival
This old bill, first reported by Mid-Day in July 2010, recently resurfaced after an environmental blogger shared it on X with updated comparisons to current energy use. The post quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and sparking mixed reactions.
While many marvel at the scale of Antilia, others are using this opportunity to raise concerns about energy inequality and responsible consumption.
“We’re pushing for EVs, solar power, and sustainable homes—and then there’s this. A ₹70 lakh electricity bill in a single month? That’s mind-boggling, even by billionaire standards,” wrote one user.
Another commented, “Antilia is a symbol of India’s economic rise, but also a reminder of how uneven energy use remains across social classes.”
Legal and Regulatory Context
Interestingly, the power bill wasn’t for a commercial building—it was for a residential property. In 2010, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) confirmed the legitimacy of the bill. At that time, Reliance Industries Limited had officially registered Antilia as a residential property, qualifying for lower power tariffs compared to commercial rates.
Although legally within bounds, the consumption figures raised questions among policymakers and environmentalists about how luxury homes are categorized and subsidized in terms of energy pricing.
A Wake-Up Call or Misplaced Outrage?
In 2025, when sustainability has become a national and global priority, stories like Antilia’s power usage spark deeper conversations about wealth, responsibility, and environmental impact.
India has seen a surge in renewable energy investments, green building codes, and climate pledges over the past decade. Yet, the energy footprint of ultra-luxury residences remains largely unregulated.
Some argue that instead of outrage, this moment should be used to push for energy-efficient practices—even among the super-rich. Encouragingly, many Indian billionaires have begun adopting green architecture and solar technology in their new projects.
Final Thoughts
As climate challenges grow and energy efficiency becomes a critical metric of progress, Antilia’s infamous ₹70 lakh electricity bill serves as a striking symbol of the complex relationship between wealth and environmental responsibility. Whether viewed with awe or alarm, one thing is certain: this figure, even 15 years later, continues to captivate the public imagination.
Source:
- Mid-Day, “Ambani’s home gets Rs 70 lakh power bill,” July 2010 – https://www.mid-day.com
- Social media discussions and comparisons (2025)
