Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panels Scheme To provide relief to the people suffering from electricity bills and load shedding, the Chief Minister Punjab announced the Free Solar Panels Scheme. Under this scheme, a total of one lakh solar systems will be provided for free installation from a budget of Rs 9.98 billion, which are divided into the following two categories: 550 Watt Solar System: This will be provided to those consumers who consume 0 to 100 units of electricity per month. The number of such consumers is 52,019. 1100 Watt Solar System: This system will be provided to those consumers who consume 101 to 200 units of electricity per month. 47,981 systems have been allocated for its distribution.
Consumers were provided with the facility to apply in multiple ways to join the scheme. Consumers were also provided with the facility to register online by visiting “cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk” or by sending an SMS to 8800 from their mobile. The monthly electricity bills of the consumers will be verified through the electricity reference number and National Identity Card (CNIC). To ensure transparency, the beneficiaries of the scheme will be selected through a E Balloting. While the verification of the consumers will also be done through the district administration and the concerned electricity distribution company. A total of 861,640 people applied till the last date of January 5. Out of which, a total of 73,452 people have applied for the scheme from Lahore city alone, while a total of 788,188 people have applied for this scheme from other cities of Punjab.
Some conditions have also been laid down for joining the solar panel scheme, under which only those consumers whose monthly electricity consumption is between 0 and 200 units will be considered eligible for the scheme. Eligibility will be determined based on billing data as of June 2024. Customers with faulty meters, those involved in power theft, or those with multiple meters installed at the same residence will not be eligible to participate in the scheme. Those who have been late in paying their bills three or more times in the last 12 months are also not eligible.
Chief Minister Fund for Indigenization of Solarpower Equipment
Main objective of the scheme is to engage Consultants for Feasibility study for Indigenization of solar power equipment manufacturing. In ADP for the Financial Year 2024-25, Rs. 15.6 million is allocated for this PC-II. Key Features of the this Project include, to assess existing capacities of solar equipment manufacturing units in Punjab. Preparation of feasibility report for local solar production/assembling unit and analyzing the economic feasibility of the solar equipment production plant through cost-benefit analysis, investment requirements etc. The Benefits of the Initiative are include diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imports, generating Green Energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
CM Initiative for Promotion of Renewable Energy Technology
Main objective of the scheme is the promotion of the Renewable Energy Technology in Punjab for improved energy access, security, and the facilitation of the energy transition for next 10 years In ADP for the Financial Year 2024-25, Rs. 100 million is allocated for subject PC-II. This project has many Benefits to the Consumers & Government of Punjab. The roadmap will provide a strategic plan to increase renewable energy adoption, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy access for Punjab’s growing population and industries. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cutting emissions, and creating green jobs. A structured approach to renewable energy development will attract investment, drive technological innovation, and support Punjab’s shift towards a resilient and self-sufficient energy future
Relief in Electricity Bills
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif dedicated Rs 54.6 Billion to provide relief in electricity bills to the people of Punjab. Relief of up to Rs14 per unit was provided to the people of Punjab in the electricity bills of August and September 2024. More than 7.3 million consumers benefited from this relief in 2 months of bills.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025