Pune: Residential consumers in Western Maharashtra utilizing up to 100 units of electricity monthly are now experiencing a favorable shift in energy costs.
The rates they pay are currently lower than the cost of electricity procurement, including transmission expenses. With the adoption of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, these consumers can look forward to eliminating their electricity bills altogether.
This initiative will not only ease their financial burden but also reduce the volume of electricity procured on their behalf, potentially leading to lower electricity rates for commercial and industrial customers that provide cross-subsidies in the future.
This development was highlighted by Bhujang Khandare, the Pune regional director, during a recent capacity-building workshop held in collaboration with Mahavitaran, the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), and the Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers Association (MASMA).
The workshop aimed to equip engineers, officials, and agency representatives with the knowledge necessary to effectively implement the Pradhan Mantri Solar Rooftop Free Electricity Scheme.
Khandare, who inaugurated the workshop, emphasized the increasing necessity of solar energy in today’s world.
He remarked, "The Pradhan Mantri Solar Rooftop Yojana, along with the introduction of solar agricultural pumps and the Chief Minister's Solar Agricultural Vehicle Schemes, will foster significant positive changes within the electricity sector for all consumer categories, ensuring financial benefits for all."
According to Chief Engineer Rajendra Pawar, over 18,000 customers in the Pune division have successfully installed rooftop solar energy projects, collectively contributing 370 megawatts to the grid.
Notably, under the Pradhan Mantri Solar Rooftop Yojana, 2,761 customers have implemented solar projects amounting to a capacity of 13.78 megawatts. The goal is to reach 149,000 residential customers in Pune with this initiative, with more than 14,000 applications already approved.
Saraswati from REC revealed that household and housing cooperative societies across Maharashtra participating in the PM Solar Rooftop Yojana have received a total grant of ₹228 crore for solar project installations, with ₹14 crore specifically allocated for Pune district.
As the prospect of zero monthly electricity bills becomes a reality, there is a growing response from residential consumers keen to take advantage of this scheme.