Centre Announces Rooftop Solarisation Scheme Providing Free Electricity to 10 Million Households

The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the details of the Centre’s Rooftop Solarisation and Free Electricity scheme during her budget speech. The initiative, introduced under the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, aims to provide free electricity to approximately 10 million households through rooftop solar installations.

Key Points:

1. Monthly Free Electricity: Under the scheme, households will receive free electricity of up to 300 units every month.
2. Financial Savings: The project is expected to benefit households by helping them save between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000 annually.
3. Nodal Agency: The state-run Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Limited has been designated as the nodal agency for the project.
4. Scheme Overview: The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, of which this rooftop solarisation scheme is a part, focuses on providing electricity to low and middle-income families through the installation of rooftop solar panels.
5. Surplus Electricity Sale: The households participating in the scheme will have the opportunity to sell surplus electricity to distribution companies (DISCOMS).
6. Initiative Timeline: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the rooftop solarisation scheme on January 22, making it his first decision following the Ram Temple ceremony.
7. Household Savings: Sitharaman estimated that the scheme would help households save significant amounts annually, contributing to financial relief.

The implementation of this scheme aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy sources and increasing access to electricity, particularly for households in low and middle-income brackets. Through the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops, the initiative aims to harness clean energy and empower households with reduced electricity expenses. The Rural Electrification Corporation will play a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating the execution of the rooftop solarisation project.