Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that the state will provide subsidies for rooftop solar panels and plans to expand underground electricity cabling across Maharashtra. This move is part of the PM Suryaghar Yojana to promote clean and affordable energy.
Fadnavis said that electricity consumers using 0-100 units will receive subsidies to install rooftop solar panels. He also shared that underground cabling has already started in some areas and will now be expanded statewide. To fund this, a small surcharge of 1, 2, or 5 paise per unit may be added to electricity bills after approval from the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
For the first time in 20 years, electricity tariffs for around 70% of small consumers (0-100 units) have been reduced by 26%. Fadnavis assured that there will be no 10% tariff increase for these users in the future.
During the assembly session, Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh questioned the state’s progress on underground cabling and smart meters. Fadnavis responded that 40 lakh smart meters have been installed, with very few complaints, all resolved quickly.
Consumers with smart meters enjoy a 10% rebate on their bills during solar hours. He also clarified that installation costs for smart meters are covered by energy savings, not charged to consumers.
Smart meters allow users to track real-time electricity usage and savings through a mobile app.
Fadnavis stressed that these initiatives aim to make power supply safer, more reliable, and affordable while supporting clean energy and benefiting both urban and rural households across Maharashtra.