Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially inaugurated the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme aimed at providing permanent relief to the public from high electricity.
Under the initiative, 100,000 solar panel systems will be distributed free of cost across Punjab within the year.
Speaking at the launch event, the chief minister emphasised that the scheme will utilise public resources to deliver relief and convenience to the people. "The aim of this scheme is to alleviate the financial strain of electricity bills and transition to renewable, sustainable energy sources," she said.
Key features of the scheme
The provincial energy secretary provided a detailed briefing, highlighting the following aspects:
- Consumers using up to 200 units of electricity per month are eligible for the free solar systems.
- The 52,019 consumers using 100 units per month will receive a 550-watt solar system, while users consuming up to 200 units will be provided with a 1,100-watt solar system.
- Eligible consumers can register for the scheme from today via an online portal or by sending an SMS to 8800. The applicants will be verified through the reference number listed on the monthly bill of consumers and their CNIC number.
To ensure fairness, the distribution of solar systems will be conducted through a computerised lottery system. A dedicated helpline will also be established to guide users through the application process and provide ongoing support.
The solar panels and accompanying inverters will be linked to the users' CNIC to protect them from theft, as per the secretary's briefing.
The installation of 100,000 solar systems is expected to reduce 57,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. The initiative will also alleviate the federal government's subsidy burden while providing long-term energy independence to the province.
Maryam Nawaz noted during the launch ceremony that over 7.3 million consumers in Punjab had already benefited from subsidies amounting to Rs14 per unit. This scheme represents a significant step forward in the government’s commitment to renewable energy and public welfare.
Applications for the free solar panel scheme are open from today, and eligible consumers are encouraged to apply promptly.
