Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that 17.6 per cent of households in the state that have installed rooftop solar panels under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana are now paying zero electricity bills, underscoring the impact of the flagship renewable energy programme.
In a post on social media platform X, Sarma said the scheme has significantly reduced electricity expenses for thousands of households while advancing Assam’s transition towards clean energy.
“Seventeen-point-six per cent of Assam’s solar households have paid zero electricity bills. This is the transformation which PM Surya Ghar has brought about in Assam, which stands among the top five states in the country in implementing the scheme,” the Chief Minister said.
According to Sarma, the initiative is delivering both economic and energy-security benefits by enabling households to generate electricity through rooftop solar installations.
The scheme has helped beneficiaries substantially lower their monthly electricity expenses, with a notable proportion of households recording no power bill payments.
The Assam government has been promoting rooftop solar adoption in coordination with the Centre, encouraging eligible households to install solar panels and avail subsidies under the programme.
Officials said the initiative is expected to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources while supporting the state’s long-term renewable energy objectives.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come as Assam continues to expand its renewable energy footprint and improve access to clean and affordable power across the state.
Sarma also said Assam’s performance in implementing the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana has placed it among the leading states in the country under the scheme.
Launched by the Centre to accelerate rooftop solar adoption, the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana provides financial assistance for residential solar installations, with the objective of reducing household electricity costs and promoting sustainable energy generation. The scheme is also aimed at boosting renewable energy capacity while easing the financial burden on consumers.
(With IANS inputs)
