Patna/Muzaffarpur: The North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) organised a Solar Mela-cum-Solar Loan Mela in Muzaffarpur on July 23, combining a public awareness campaign with a review of the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
According to NBPDCL, the event was held at the Electricity Supply Circle Office in Muzaffarpur and brought together government officials, banks, authorised solar vendors and prospective beneficiaries to promote rooftop solar adoption.
Officials Highlight Benefits of Rooftop Solar
The event was inaugurated by Rahul Kumar, Managing Director of NBPDCL, in the presence of Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav.
According to the power utility, Rahul Kumar outlined the objectives of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and explained the scheme’s subsidy provisions, application process, bank loan facilities and the potential economic and environmental benefits of rooftop solar systems.
Addressing participants, Kumar Gaurav said initiatives such as the Solar Mela could encourage residents to adopt clean energy, reduce electricity costs and contribute to sustainable development.
Banks and Solar Vendors Participate
According to NBPDCL, the event saw participation from authorised solar vendors, representatives of leading banks, officials of the power department and members of the public.
Officials said the programme was intended to help prospective applicants understand the process for installing rooftop solar systems and accessing financial assistance available under the scheme.
Loan Approvals Come Under Review
Following the public event, the Managing Director chaired a review meeting with engineers, authorised solar vendors and representatives of banks to assess progress under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
According to NBPDCL, discussions focused on pending bank loan applications, rooftop solar installations and the implementation of the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model.
Rahul Kumar directed banks to expedite the disposal of pending loan applications and said no application should be rejected without valid reasons. He also instructed banks to review previously rejected applications and ensure that eligible applicants receive loans within a stipulated period.
Focus on ULA Model and Net Metering
The review meeting also assessed progress in installing rooftop solar systems for Kutir Jyoti consumers under the ULA model.
According to the utility, field engineers were instructed to complete pending site inspections at the earliest, accelerate the net-metering process and regularly monitor implementation to avoid delays.
Officials said timely inspections and faster approvals would be critical to increasing the pace of rooftop solar installations across the region.
What’s Next
NBPDCL said it will continue monitoring the progress of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana through regular reviews involving banks, engineers and authorised vendors.
According to the utility, priority will be given to clearing pending loan applications, expanding rooftop solar installations and ensuring that eligible consumers can access the benefits of the scheme without unnecessary delays.
