Solar panel scheme to cut power bills okayed

CM announces plan for consumers of up to 500 units

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the provision of solar panels to the citizens consuming up to 500 units of electricity per month.

Approving in principle the Roshan Gharana programme during a meeting of the energy department, she said the Punjab government would provide solar systems to millions of consumers consuming 50 to 500 units monthly.

The chief minister said 90 per cent of the cost of the solar panels would be paid by the Punjab government and the remaining 10% by the consumers. ”In view of the rising cost of electricity and the energy crisis, it was decided to start the Roshan Gharana programme, under which solar panels will be provided to the customers on easy installments of five years,” she added.

She said the government would not neglect the people in difficult situations. “We are trying to save the people from the effects of past disasters. After five years, people will not have to face the current issues,” she added.

The chief minister called a cabinet meeting on Tuesday to formally approve the programme of providing solar panels to the people.

She said, ”Using a transparent procedure, solar systems will be given to the poorest families in Phase-I. In winter the installment of solar panel will be relatively less and the panel will only be supplied by the government.”

She said the ratio between government electricity and that obtained from solar system would be determined as per user needs.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated all Pakistanis on the start of the new Islamic year. “May the new Hijri year bring peace and blessings for Pakistan, Pakistani nation and the entire Muslim Ummah,” she stated in a message.

She added, ”On the start of new Hijri year, we reiterate our resolve to learn from the life and teachings of Holy Prophet (PBUH).”

The chief minister said, ”We should pledge to strive for upholding principles of compassion, justice, unity and tolerance in all Muslim societies.” She added, ”The Battle of Karbala is an example of unwavering courage, sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of cruelty.”

She prayed, ”May the new Hijri year bring us peace, prosperity and happiness.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz prayed, ”May Allah grant freedom to the oppressed Muslims of Palestine and Kashmir in the new Hijri year.”