Consumers could save at least Rs 25,000 per year under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, but low awareness and poor response have limited the scheme's uptake, regional commissioner Nitesh Patil said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a review meeting held at the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) headquarters, Patil noted that the number of applications received since the scheme's launch in 2024 has not met expectations. Patil, who also serves as the in-charge managing director of CESC, emphasised that the government subsidy makes the scheme highly beneficial for consumers. He stressed that proper information should be disseminated among the public so that more people come forward to utilise the scheme.
Officials acknowledged that many consumers have yet to select vendors due to an inadequate understanding of the scheme. To address this, Patil underscored the need for consumers to have easy access to information on registered vendors, enabling them to choose services based on their needs and convenience.
Patil directed CESC officials to expedite the verification of solar rooftop applications after submission, as delays can discourage applicants. He also called for the scheme to be implemented in coordination with municipal corporations, district administrations, and other local bodies to improve outreach.
Vendors have been instructed to personally meet potential consumers and explain the benefits of the scheme. They were also directed to complete all related work, including the installation of smart meters, within five days of application approval. Senior officials and vendors attended the meeting.
Solar Month to Boost Surya Ghar
May 2026 is being observed as 'Solar Month' to boost awareness of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. The campaign is being conducted across all electricity supply companies in the state, following directions from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, taking advantage of increased sunlight during summer. The campaign will focus on increasing applications under the scheme, maximising solar rooftop installations, accelerating site inspections, and encouraging new vendor registrations.
