Tripura to set up solar power plants in 50,000 houses by 2027, Minister

The Power department of Tripura government has aimed to set up 50,000 solar power plants at the houses of power consumers by March, 2027 under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, said Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath.

Addressing a press conference at the official chamber of Power and Agriculture Minister on Sunday afternoon, Nath said that has set a target of producing 150 MW solar energy by March 2027 with PM Surya Ghar Mufta Bijli Yojana gradually gaining popularity. Under the scheme, a total of 13,536 households have registered for solar power plants and among them, so far solar plants have been installed at the houses of 266 consumers.

He said that the PM Surya Ghar Mufta Bijli Yojana has received a good response with a growing number of registrations and the state has set a target of producing 150 MW of solar power by March 2027.

He urged the people to take benefit (subsidy) of the scheme as Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL), Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) have taken all possible initiatives to achieve the goal.

Nath also said the scheme not only energizes households but also brings alternative income to those families which produce surplus power.

Giving details, Nath said that out of 266 families who have already started producing solar energy, 70 families got Rs 30,902 from the TSECL for selling surplus power and added that he himself received Rs 768 from the power utility company.

The 70-odd families have managed to bring down their electricity bills after switching to green energy, he said.

Nath also said the government has decided to install solar power in all its offices across the state to popularize green energy.

Speaking about power supply to Bangladesh, Nath said the state exports 50 to 60 MW of power to the neighbouring country although an MoU was signed to provide 100 MW power.

Currently, we are supplying 50/60 MW power to Bangladesh after meeting the state's internal demand. The payment is regularly made by Bangladesh, said Nath.