Patna: The Bihar government has announced a large-scale rooftop solar power initiative aimed at providing affordable electricity to 5.8 crore economically weaker households under the Kutir Jyoti (below poverty line) category. The scheme, unveiled during the presentation of the state budget for 2026–27 on Tuesday, will offer a 100% subsidy for rooftop solar installations.
Under the plan, each eligible household will receive a 1.1 kilowatt rooftop solar power plant at no cost. In the first phase, installations have begun for one million consumers, with the government stating that the move is expected to significantly reduce electricity bills and ease the financial burden on low-income families.
The initiative aligns with the central government’s PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, under which subsidies are provided for residential rooftop solar systems. The scheme offers Rs 30,000 for one-kilowatt systems, Rs 60,000 for two kilowatts, and up to Rs 78,000 for installations of three kilowatts or more.
The announcement comes amid rising electricity demand in the state. According to government data, Bihar currently receives between 23 and 24 hours of power supply daily. Peak electricity demand reached 8,752 megawatts on July 23, 2025 and is projected to cross 9,600 megawatts in the 2026–27 financial year.
The state government also outlined several other power-sector initiatives. Under the Chief Minister Rural Solar Street Light Scheme, 1.2 million solar street lights will be installed across all panchayats. A thermal power plant under construction in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, is targeted for completion by 2029–30.
In addition, the Chief Minister Agricultural Electricity Connection Scheme aims to provide electricity connections to 855,000 agricultural pump sets by September 2026.
Officials said the number of electricity consumers in Bihar has crossed 22 million, with more than 8.3 million smart prepaid meters installed. Electricity distribution companies have also reported a sharp rise in revenue, increasing from Rs 215 crore to Rs 2,004 crore in recent years.
