In a move towards cleaner energy, Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, is promoting the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This scheme focuses on increasing the use of solar energy by installing rooftop solar power plants. The goal is to make consumers independent in the electricity sector and reduce their monthly bills. Subsidies are available for solar power plant installations, varying from ₹45,000 to ₹1,08,000 based on the plant’s capacity.
The Chief Engineer of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited, Raipur, has advised all regular officers and employees of the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Company to embrace rooftop solar power plants in their residences. This is part of a broader effort to boost the use of renewable energy sources. Financial assistance, in the form of subsidies, is provided by both central and state governments. Employees living in board quarters, rented houses, or multi-story buildings can install solar plants on their own or ancestral property in their hometowns, or in coordination with their residential societies via virtual net metering. The subsidy scheme is available for plants from one watt to three kilowatts.
Furthermore, officials can access loans with a 6% interest rate over 10 years, with monthly repayments lower than their average electricity bills. The authorities are requesting officers and employees to install rooftop solar plants within three months to avail the benefits. The scheme encourages maximizing its benefits, with detailed information available on the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana online portal.