LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched the “Free Solar Panel Scheme” for poor and middle-class families across the province. During the event, she also started an automated digital draw to select eligible consumers.
She congratulated the successful consumers and instructed officials to complete the installation of solar panels as soon as possible. The Energy Secretary briefed the Chief Minister, explaining that under the “CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme,” 94,483 solar systems will be installed throughout the year.
Consumers using up to 200 units of electricity per month will receive free solar systems. This includes 47,182 systems of 0.55 kilowatts and 47,301 systems of 1.1 kilowatts.
The Chief Minister was informed that over 861,000 consumers have applied for the scheme. The entire process is fully digital, with verification done using the reference number on monthly bills and CNIC numbers.
A helpline has also been set up to guide and assist consumers. To prevent theft, solar panels and inverters will be linked to consumers’ computerized national identity cards.
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In her speech, Maryam Nawaz said the government aims to relieve people from the burden of expensive electricity. She emphasized that no delays in the project will be tolerated and it must be completed quickly.
She added that after physical verification, the installation of solar systems will begin across the province by the end of March, with the first phase of the scheme concluding by the end of July.
The Energy Secretary further noted that the scheme will reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tons, helping to protect the environment. It will also lessen the subsidy burden on the federal government.
The Chief Minister stressed that the scheme will provide affordable and sustainable energy to people while helping reduce the country’s energy crisis. She said the government’s priority is to complete public welfare projects quickly to offer immediate relief to citizens.
Through this scheme, nearly 100,000 solar systems will be installed across Punjab. This will lower electricity bills for consumers and play a key role in reducing environmental pollution. The Punjab government’s initiative is seen as an important step toward a major change in the energy sector.
