Synopsis
On January 20, Assam's Power Minister Prasanta Phukan stated that there are currently no plans to increase power tariffs, assuring consumers that the Electricity Department has made no decisions in this regard. The minister highlighted the effective performance of smart meters and the state's push for solar energy installations.Key Takeaways
- No plans for power tariff hikes in Assam.
- Smart power meters are functioning efficiently.
- Focus on increasing rooftop solar energy capacity.
- Target to achieve maximum green energy by 2030.
- Elimination of technical approval requirements for solar panel installations.
Guwahati, Jan 20 (NationPress) Assam's Power Minister Prasanta Phukan announced on Monday that there are no plans to increase power tariffs, and the Electricity Department has reached no decisions regarding this matter.
Phukan informed reporters, “I have not received any communication from department officials about raising power tariffs in the state. Currently, the department has no intentions of adding financial strain on consumers.”
Furthermore, the minister emphasized that the smart power meters installed in homes statewide are functioning effectively, and they are not generating any inflated electricity bills.
Previously, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the government is focusing on enhancing solar rooftop installations throughout the state.
Sarma noted that Assam currently produces 1.8 megawatts of electricity via rooftop solar systems.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, rooftop solar panels have been set up in numerous households across the state, with government efforts aimed at increasing this number.
Sarma indicated that Assam is progressing towards generating substantial green energy in upcoming years, with a target set for maximum green energy by 2030. Various policy modifications have been enacted to achieve this goal.
A senior government official revealed that the requirement for technical feasibility approval for installing a 10-kilowatt solar rooftop panel has been eliminated to expedite the process.
Among other advantages, solar rooftop panels will be installed within just three days of application by any household, and a smart electric meter will also be provided at no additional cost, as stated by the official.
The official further mentioned that utilizing unused rooftop space and surrounding wastelands for solar power generation holds great potential.
Every home, business, or facility can generate small amounts of electricity to partially satisfy their energy needs, with any surplus being fed back into the grid.
As the cost of fossil fuel-generated electricity continues to rise, the price of solar power is decreasing.
“The price of electricity produced by currently operational solar plants is comparable to, or even less than, the commercial tariff for end users,” he added.
