Patna: Bihar government on Sunday launched a large-scale renewable energy initiative under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announcing the installation of free rooftop solar systems for 2.5 lakh economically weaker households across the state.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated, launched and dedicated 140 projects related to power generation, transmission and distribution worth Rs 1,278 crore during a programme at Vidyut Bhawan in Patna.
The announcements came as the state government completed 60 days in office.
Rs 1,512 Crore Solar Programme Begins
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, rooftop solar panels will be installed on the houses of 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumers at an estimated cost of Rs 1,512 crore.
Officials said beneficiaries will not be required to pay any amount for the installations. The cost will be shared by the Centre and the Bihar government.
Electricity generated from the solar panels will first be consumed by households, while surplus power will be supplied to the grid for use by power distribution companies.
The government said the initiative is expected to reduce electricity costs for poor families while promoting clean energy adoption across the state.
Target Set for 25 Lakh Homes
Addressing the gathering, Choudhary directed the Energy Department to complete rooftop solar installations for the first 2.5 lakh beneficiaries by November 20 this year.
He also announced a larger target of providing free rooftop solar systems to 25 lakh households by November 20, 2027.
The Chief Minister said Bihar now has more than 2.25 crore electricity consumers and added that the state was focusing on long-term energy security through renewable sources.
140 Projects to Strengthen Power Network
The state government said the 140 projects worth Rs 1,278 crore would help improve Bihar’s electricity infrastructure and ensure more reliable power supply for consumers.
The projects cover power transmission, distribution and generation facilities and are expected to enhance overall network capacity.
CM also highlighted the importance of pumped storage power projects, saying they could help provide cheaper electricity during non-peak hours and strengthen future power availability.
Energy Accounting System Introduced
The government also launched an energy accounting system in power distribution companies based on the Smart Prepaid Metering Project.
According to officials, the system will monitor electricity flow and consumption at feeder, transformer and consumer levels, helping improve transparency and reduce transmission and distribution losses.
Government Focuses on Renewable Energy
Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said Bihar had largely succeeded in meeting its growing electricity demand and was now moving towards greater self-reliance in renewable energy.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, popularly known as Bulo Mandal, said the department was planning not only for current demand but also for the state’s future energy requirements over the next three decades.
He said the free rooftop solar programme would help expand access to clean energy while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
Beneficiaries, Officials Attend Programme
During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with beneficiaries from Munger, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Nalanda who are expected to receive benefits under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Earlier in the day, Choudhary visited the State Load Dispatch Centre and reviewed electricity supply operations.
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Energy Secretary and BSPHCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ajay Yadav, Chief Minister’s Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, power distribution company officials and senior Energy Department officers were present at the programme.
