LAHORE:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the granting of one-kilowatt solar systems to 50,000 households in Punjab.
Presiding over a special meeting on the “Light without Electricity Bill, Chief Minister’s Roshan Punjab Programme” in Lahore, the CM was briefed on technical issues of the solar system for domestic consumers.
CM Maryam said that the programme aims to free the poor from expensive electricity. Approving the grant for the solar systems, the CM directed to start the pilot project immediately to evaluate its efficiency.
Protected consumers consuming up to 100 units of electricity will be eligible under the programme in the first phase, she mentioned. In the 1 KW system, two solar panels, a battery, an inverter, and wires will be provided to the consumer, she informed.
Earlier, the chief minister was briefed that the 1 KW solar system can run fans, lights, small motors, etc. Up to 16 hours of charging backup can be achieved through the lithium-ion battery.
The CM directed the installation of the solar system of the latest technology. She emphasised the need to use the best quality solar plates, inverter, batteries, and other accessories. The scope of solar systems for domestic consumers will be extended gradually, she asserted.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, MPA Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretaries Energy, Finance, Chief Executive Officer PPDCL (Punjab Power Department Company Limited), Managing Director PPDB (Punjab Power Development Board), and other relevant officers attended the meeting.
In a significant move towards sustainable energy and modernisation, the provincial education department has embarked on a project to convert the electricity systems of 86 government schools to solar energy.
This initiative, which includes 10 schools in the Rawalpindi division, is backed by a substantial allocation of Rs500 million.
Under the plan, the first phase aims to transition these government schools to solar power by May 31. The subsequent phase is slated to commence on August 15, post the summer vacation period.
The Secretary of Education has taken proactive steps by dispatching letters to all school heads, Divisional Education Directors, and District Education Authorities, urging swift action in selecting suitable school sites for solar panel installation.
