Aurangabad: Awareness about the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is growing steadily in Aurangabad district, and its impact is now clearly visible on electricity bills. So far, around 110 households in the district have installed solar panels on their rooftops. Many of these families are now receiving electricity bills of zero rupees, bringing major relief at a time when household expenses are rising.
Officials from the electricity department say the main reason for zero bills is the combination of solar power and the state government’s decision to provide 125 units of free electricity to all domestic consumers. When a home generates its own electricity through solar panels, the power produced is adjusted against the total consumption. As a result, even families that use more electricity than the free limit are not required to pay any charges.
Arvind Kumar, superintending engineer of the electricity department, explained that households consuming 300 to 400 units of electricity can still receive a zero bill if they have a rooftop solar system. He said a three-kilowatt solar system is most useful for domestic consumers, as it is sufficient to run fans, coolers and even air conditioners. The extra electricity generated during the day helps balance higher usage, keeping the bill at zero.
Installing a three-kilowatt solar system costs about Rs 2 lakh, but the government provides a subsidy of around Rs 78,000, making it more affordable for ordinary families. Akhilesh Kumar, a resident of Barun block, said his electricity bill has been zero every month since installing solar panels. He added that the scheme is helping him save money while also supporting environmental protection.
The benefits of solar energy are also being seen in schools and government offices across the district. With support from the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency, solar systems have been installed in many institutions, including the Collectorate, Civil Court, Sadar Hospital, Circuit House and the Government Engineering College at Kasma. At the district jail, superintendent Dr Deepak Kumar said the solar system has reduced electricity expenses by nearly Rs 90,000 every month, showing how solar power is helping both households and public institutions save money in Aurangabad.
