Patna is witnessing a significant green energy transformation, with a remarkable number of households turning to solar power. Official data reveals that more than 14,600 homes in Bihar have now installed rooftop solar panels under the central government's flagship PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).
Review Meeting Highlights Progress and Plans
The encouraging figures came to light during a high-level review meeting held in Patna on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Mir Mohammed Ali, a director from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Senior officials from the state's power distribution companies, including Mahendra Kumar, MD of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited, and Rahul Kumar, MD of North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited, were also present.
The regional breakdown shows a strong uptake across the state. South Bihar leads with 9,885 installations, while North Bihar has seen 4,715 households adopt the technology. Officials confirmed that consumers are availing substantial benefits, including subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 and loans at a concessional interest rate of 5.75%.
Streamlining Processes for Faster Adoption
During the meeting, MNRE Director Mir Mohammed Ali issued clear directives to streamline the process further. He instructed banks to speed up loan approvals and reduce the rate of application rejections. A key focus was also on ensuring the prompt release of the second instalment of the subsidy to beneficiaries.
Ali emphasized that achieving the scheme's goals with quality and efficiency requires coordinated efforts between the central and state governments, DISCOMs, banks, and equipment vendors. This collaboration is crucial for reducing electricity bills for consumers and promoting clean energy on a large scale.
DISCOMs Roll Out Consumer-Friendly Measures
Rahul Kumar highlighted several proactive steps taken by the power distribution companies to remove hurdles for consumers. These measures include:
- Waiving the technical feasibility fee for installations up to 10 kilowatts.
- Providing automatic load enhancement for solar connections.
- Offering net metering facilities free of cost.
These initiatives are designed to make the transition to solar energy seamless and are expected to significantly cut household electricity expenses while contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Mahendra Kumar added context by stating that both the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the PM Kusum Yojana are playing a pivotal role in expanding Bihar's clean energy infrastructure. He noted that these schemes are delivering direct economic benefits to the people of the state, aligning with broader environmental and energy security objectives.
