PM Surya Ghar scheme lights up Balasore: 3,000+ homes record zero power bills

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BALASORE, DECEMBER 15, 2025

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has emerged as a major success story in northern Odisha, delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits to households while accelerating the region’s transition to clean energy. More than 3,000 electricity consumers in the TPNODL operational area are now enjoying zero-unit power bills, reflecting the transformative impact of the centrally and state-subsidised rooftop solar programme.

Driven by attractive subsidies and simplified implementation models, the scheme has significantly boosted rooftop solar adoption. Around 5,000 households across the TPNODL region have installed rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar initiative, including installations under the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model. In the most recent billing cycle, 3,289 consumers received electricity bills reflecting zero unit consumption, underscoring the scheme’s effectiveness in reducing household energy costs.

Under the ULA model alone, 895 consumers across Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Jajpur districts have installed rooftop solar panels. In the previous billing cycle, 229 households under this model received bills, with 194 achieving zero unit billing and 24 recording reductions ranging between 50 and 90 per cent. The remaining consumers also benefited from reductions of up to 40 per cent, offering relief from rising energy expenses.

Gajanan Kale, Chief – Odisha Distribution Business and CEO of TPNODL, reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to providing reliable and quality power while enabling consumers to reduce their electricity bills through sustainable solutions. He urged households to take advantage of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the ULA model, noting that widespread adoption of rooftop solar would contribute significantly to Odisha’s long-term energy security and environmental goals.

The benefits are already visible on the ground. Pratyusharjan Mohanty, a beneficiary from Ghantiadi in Baliapal block, shared that installing a 1-kilowatt rooftop solar system at his residence has resulted in zero electricity bills for the past two months, delivering substantial savings for his family.

Under the ULA model, consumers can install a 1-kilowatt rooftop solar system for just ₹5,622, supported by a combined central and state government subsidy of ₹55,000. TPNODL has invited more consumers to leverage this cost-effective opportunity to access clean, affordable electricity. For details, consumers may visit their nearest TPNODL office or contact the toll-free numbers 1800-3456-718 or 1912.