To alleviate the financial strain caused by inflated electricity bills for low-income households, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently approved a groundbreaking initiative. The program, aptly named “Bill Bijli sey Nijat, Roshni k Saath,” will provide 50,000 underprivileged households in Punjab with 1-kilowatt solar power systems free of charge.
This initiative aligns with the Chief Minister’s Roshan Punjab Programme and aims to liberate the poor from the burden of exorbitant electricity costs. A pilot project will be launched swiftly to assess the program’s effectiveness. Initially, the solar systems will be distributed to protected consumers with electricity consumption below 100 units.
Each system will comprise two solar panels, a battery, an inverter, and wiring, capable of powering essential appliances like fans, lights, and small motors. The lithium-ion battery provides up to 16 hours of backup power. Chief Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of using cutting-edge technology and high-quality components in the solar systems.
The scope of the program will gradually expand to reach more domestic consumers. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, and other prominent officials were present at the meeting where the initiative was approved.
