Punjab to provide free solar power systems to 50,000 households

LAHORE: To ease the inflation-hit lives of low-income households facing over-bloated power bills, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday signed an order to provide one-kilowatt solar power systems to 50,000 households in the province free of charge.

The decision was taken during a special meeting to approve the initiative titled Bill Bijli sey Nijat, Roshni k Saath (Freedom from Electricity Bill with Light), which is part of the Chief Minister’s Roshan Punjab Programme.

The provincial chief executive was briefed on technical issues of the solar system for domestic consumers. "This programme aims to free the poor of expensive electricity.".

Maryam also directed the authorities concerned to start the pilot project without delay to evaluate its efficiency.

In the first phase, protected consumers consuming up to 100 units of electricity will be eligible to avail the solar power systems, she mentioned. The consumers will be provided with a 1KW system, which includes two solar panels, a battery, an inverter, and wires.

The chief minister was briefed that the 1KW solar power system could run fans, lights, small motors, etc, while it would provide up to 16 hours of backup through the lithium-ion battery.

CM Maryam directed her team to ensure the solar systems were of the latest technology, emphasising the need to use the best quality panels, inverters, batteries, and other accessories. The scope of solar systems for domestic consumers will be extended gradually, she added.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, MPA Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretaries Energy, Finance, Chief Executive Officer PPDCL (Punjab Power Department Company Limited), Managing Director PPDB (Punjab Power Development Board), and other relevant officers attended the meeting.