PM Suryaghar Scheme at Risk? Solar Body Fights Mahavitaran’s New Billing Proposal
PM Suryaghar Scheme at Risk? Solar Body Fights Mahavitaran’s New Billing Proposal
The Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers Association has expressed concern over the proposal of Mahavitaran to charge electricity bills to consumers covered under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme between 6 pm and 9 am. If this change is implemented, new consumers will stay away from the scheme, and as a result, the entire scheme will fail.
The association has sent a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging that no financial burden be placed on customers. They have also decided to strongly present their case during the regulatory commission’s hearing to protect consumer interests.
The PM Suryaghar scheme was introduced to provide up to 300 units of free electricity due to the ongoing gap between power supply and demand. Customers requiring additional electricity must buy it as per policy.
Mahavitaran has actively promoted this scheme, encouraging customers to install solar panels on rooftops. Dealers were given targets, and nationalized banks provided loans to eligible consumers. As a result, over one lakh homes in Maharashtra now have solar panels.
Currently, these customers pay zero electricity bills. However, under the new proposal, they will have to buy power at night, adding an extra financial burden alongside loan repayments. This could disrupt their budget.
The Solar Manufacturers Association is fighting to protect their business and jobs. Meanwhile, consumers have yet to raise a strong collective voice. Experts believe that protests will only emerge once they start facing financial losses.
Mahavitaran’s proposal has created uncertainty among consumers, and its impact on the scheme’s future remains to be seen.
