Shillong, June 23: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K. Sangma today chaired a review meeting on the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Shillong.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Power Department, Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), and other stakeholders.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month to 10 million households through rooftop solar installations. Under the scheme, eligible households can avail central financial assistance of up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar systems.
Officials apprised the Chief Minister of the current status of the scheme in Meghalaya and highlighted challenges affecting consumer adoption.
The meeting was informed that while the Government of India subsidy significantly reduces installation costs, consumers in Meghalaya continue to face relatively higher upfront expenditure due to factors such as transportation costs, terrain-related challenges, and the limited scale of installations in the State.
The Chief Minister reviewed findings from pilot rooftop solar projects and discussed measures to improve the viability and attractiveness of solar adoption for households.
Discussions focused on enhancing consumer benefits, reducing payback periods, and exploring options for additional support mechanisms to encourage wider participation under the scheme.
The meeting also examined opportunities to align the PM Surya Ghar Scheme with the State Government’s ongoing renewable energy initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission.
Particular emphasis was placed on exploring the integration of battery storage solutions to enable households to maximize the benefits of rooftop solar systems, improve energy reliability, and reduce dependence on conventional grid power during peak demand periods.
Officials presented proposals to increase rooftop solar penetration through government institutions, schools, anganwadi centres, and other public facilities.
The Chief Minister directed departments to identify opportunities for accelerating solar adoption across government infrastructure while leveraging available central assistance.
The meeting further discussed innovative approaches to create public awareness and encourage community participation in renewable energy initiatives.
The Chief Minister suggested involving educational institutions and youth groups in awareness campaigns to promote rooftop solar adoption and energy conservation practices across the State.
Recognizing the importance of demand-side management, the meeting also reviewed measures to improve energy efficiency in government offices and public utilities.
Discussions included optimizing electricity consumption patterns, promoting responsible energy use, and reducing peak-hour demand through improved planning and management practices.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need to explore a wider range of decentralized renewable energy solutions suitable for Meghalaya’s unique geographical conditions.
These include biomass and biogas-based power generation, micro-hydel systems, solar-powered community infrastructure, and other emerging technologies capable of providing sustainable energy solutions in rural and remote areas.
The meeting highlighted the potential of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme to reduce household electricity expenses, promote clean energy adoption, and contribute to the State’s long-term energy security objectives.
Under the scheme, households with suitable rooftops and valid electricity connections can install rooftop solar systems and benefit from substantial central subsidies.
Consumers can also export surplus electricity generated by their systems to the grid through net metering arrangements, thereby earning additional savings.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for expanding renewable energy adoption in Meghalaya, with a focus on improving consumer participation, strengthening awareness efforts, integrating existing solar initiatives, and exploring innovative technologies that can help meet the State’s future energy requirements.
