In Short : Jammu and Kashmir is advancing its solarisation efforts with the issuance of tenders for a 344 MW rooftop solar power plant. This ambitious project aims to promote clean energy, reduce dependence on traditional power sources, and support the region’s sustainability goals. The rooftop plants will be installed on government and commercial buildings, helping to enhance renewable energy capacity and contribute to India’s climate commitments.
In Detail : SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has taken a major step towards solarisation by floating e-tenders for installing 344 MW of solar rooftop plants across the Union Territory. This includes 70 MW for 8,548 government buildings under Capex mode and 238 MW for 9,877 buildings under RESCO mode. To date, 36 MW have already been installed, marking significant progress in the region’s renewable energy transition.
The update was provided during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to review the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY) and other solar energy initiatives.
Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of PMSG-MBY while urging Power Distribution Companies (Discoms) of the Power Development Department (PDD) to step up their outreach efforts. He stressed utilising bulk SMS, monthly electricity bills, and other media platforms to educate the public, especially high-bill consumers, about the scheme’s benefits.
The PM Surya Ghar Yojana, India’s first pan-India On-Grid Solar Rooftop Scheme for residential houses, offers central and UT subsidies amounting to Rs 85,800 for a 3 kWp system. With 83,500 households targeted (39,500 under JPDCL and 44,000 under KPDCL) by 2027, the scheme aims to significantly reduce electricity costs and AT&C losses.
Managing Director JPDCL, Choudhary Yasin, highlighted that thousands of registrations have been received, with 350 consumers already benefiting through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
While reviewing progress in solarising government buildings, the Chief Secretary instructed the Science & Technology Department to maintain the momentum and adhere to timelines. Commissioner Secretary S&T, Saurabh Bhagat, revealed that installations are being fast-tracked under both Capex and RESCO modes, with a vision to saturate all government buildings with solar rooftop plants.
The meeting noted that customer grievances are being resolved effectively through a dedicated call centre. Discussions also included expediting smart meter installations in solarised buildings and ensuring virtual net metering benefits reach consumers promptly.
Chief Secretary Dulloo commended the efforts and underscored the need for achieving targets efficiently, ensuring both households and government establishments reap the benefits of renewable energy initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir.
