Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the launch of the CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme, aimed at reducing electricity expenses for households. Speaking at the formal inauguration on Friday, she emphasized that the initiative will provide long-term relief to 100,000 low-consumption electricity users across the province.
Consumers can apply for the scheme starting today through an online portal at cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk or via SMS by sending their details to 8800. The process includes verification through the reference and CNIC numbers on the applicant’s electricity bill, followed by a computerised ballot system to ensure transparency.
The Provincial Secretary for Energy briefed the Chief Minister on the scheme’s specifics:
To prevent theft, the solar panels and inverters will be linked to the consumer’s CNIC. The installation of 100,000 solar systems is expected to cut carbon emissions by 57,000 tons and reduce the subsidy burden on the federal government.
The Chief Minister highlighted that 7.3 million consumers in Punjab had already benefited from a subsidy of Rs.14 per unit, and the solar scheme is another step toward ensuring that public funds are utilized for the welfare of citizens.
A helpline will be launched soon to assist consumers in accessing the scheme.