By Abid Chaudhry
TWA
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“Aim of free solar panel scheme is to provide permanent relief to public from expensive electricity,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while formally inaugurating CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme for one lakh consumers in Punjab. She added,”Punjab consumers can apply under the scheme via SMS or online portal from today.”
Madam Chief Minister said,”Earlier, 7.3 million consumers of Punjab benefited from the subsidy of Rs.14 per unit.” She added,”Public resources will be spent only for the public convenience and relief.”
Earlier, the Provincial Secretary Energy said while briefing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif about the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme,”Under the Scheme, one lakh solar systems will be installed over a period of one year.” He added,”Solar systems will be given free to the electricity consumers of the province who consume up to 200 units per month.”
Madam Chief Minister was briefed,”52019 Consumers who consume 100 units per month will be given free 550-watt solar systems, while consumers consuming up to 200 units of electricity per month will be given free 1100-watt solar system s.” She was apprised,”To register under CM Free Solar Panel Scheme, one can visit the online portal “cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk.” Consumers of Punjab can also register for the Scheme by sending an SMS to 8800.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was updated,”Verification will be done using the reference number and CNIC number mentioned on the monthly bill of the consumers. A computerized ballotting will be conducted to ensure transparency in the Scheme.” She was also briefed,”A helpline will also be established to support and guide the consumers who will get free solar systems.”
The authorities concerned further briefed Madam Chief Minister,” To protect the solar panel and inverter from theft, the solar panel and inverter will be linked to the computerized CNIC of the consumer.” They added,” Installing 100,000 solar systems in Punjab will reduce carbon emissions by 57,000 tons.” They underscored,” Free solar panel scheme will also reduce the burden of subsidy on the federal government.”
