Soaring electricity costs have prompted CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to offer a heartening prospect: the initiation of the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme. Inaugurating the scheme, which was done this Friday, she stressed that it would ensure that “in the long run relief is given to 100,000 electricity users across the province who have a lesser consumption.”
Application Process
Application Procedures Consumers can apply for the scheme from today via an online portal at cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk and also via SMS by sending their details to 8800. The verification process will refer both CNIC numbers to the electricity bill numbers of the applicants and then keep a record through a computerized ballot system for transparency for the whole sales procedure.
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Distribution Details of the Solar Systems
The Secretary of Energy would inform the Chief Minister about the details of the scheme: 550-watt solar systems would be installed in almost 52,019 households that consumed electricity of up to 100 units per month.
An 1100-watt solar system would be earmarked for use by those consuming up to 200 units per month.
The scheme would cover a one-year rollout period.
Other Alternate Measures and Benefits
The solar panels and inverters will be affixed to the consumer’s CNIC to avoid theft. It is expected that 100,000 solar systems will be installed in the cities to cut carbon emissions by as much as 57,000 tons and reduce the subsidy burden on the federal government.
Public Related Relief Through Public Resources
The CM noted that 7.3 million consumers in Punjab have so far benefited from subsidization at Rs 14 per unit, and this solar scheme is yet another step in ensuring that public money goes to the welfare of citizens.
The helpline will be inaugurated shortly to facilitate consumers in getting access to information.