In an innovative effort to address rising electricity costs, the Punjab government has launched the Roshan Gharana scheme. This new program aims to install solar systems in 4.5 million homes across the province, offering significant financial relief to consumers burdened by expensive energy bills.
How the Roshan Gharana Scheme Works
The Roshan Gharana initiative allows households to receive solar panels through affordable installments. The size of the solar system each household receives depends on their monthly electricity usage. Those consuming up to 50 units per month will be provided a 500-watt solar system at no cost. Households using between 50 and 100 units will get a 1-kilowatt system. For consumers with monthly usage of 200 to 300 units, a 1100-watt system will be installed, with larger systems available for higher usage levels.
To be eligible for this scheme, households must have an annual electricity consumption of up to 500 units and must be tax filers. Residents benefiting from government assistance programs or those with a history of electricity theft will not qualify.
Simple Registration and Flexible Payments
Registering for the Roshan Gharana scheme is straightforward. Interested residents need to send their identity card number and electricity bill reference number to 8800. Eligible households will be selected through a draw and offered the chance to acquire solar systems via the Bank of Punjab or the National Bank.
The payment structure is designed to be flexible and manageable. Consumers will pay 25% of the solar system’s cost upfront, with no interest charged, followed by five years of interest-free installments added to their electricity bills. For those using more than 500 units, the government will cover 75% of the interest.
A Step Towards Sustainable Energy
The Punjab government plans to start installing these solar systems between September and October. This marks a crucial step towards promoting cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. By reducing reliance on traditional power sources, the Roshan Gharana scheme is expected to ease the strain on the electricity grid and provide long-term cost savings for participating households.
Beyond individual benefits, the scheme is poised to drive broader economic growth and contribute to environmental protection throughout the province. The Roshan Gharana initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to energy management, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for Punjab’s residents.
