Agartala, May 20: In a major initiative aimed at expanding renewable energy use and reducing electricity costs for households, the Tripura government and the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) have announced plans to provide subsidised solar power systems to families with low electricity consumption. Under the initiative, identified beneficiaries will receive solar systems by contributing only Rs 1,000.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath made the announcement on Wednesday after launching the Rooftop Solar PV System Handbook at Geetanjali Guest House in Agartala.
According to the minister, the state has already identified around 1.5 lakh families that consume less than 50 units of electricity per month under the first phase of the programme. He said the scheme is expected to strengthen Tripura’s clean energy infrastructure while helping consumers reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
Highlighting the subsidy structure under the initiative, Nath stated that the government is currently providing financial assistance of Rs 33,000 for a one-kilowatt solar system, Rs 66,000 for a two-kilowatt system, and Rs 85,800 for a three-kilowatt system.
The minister also shared details regarding the progress of the PM Surya Ghar initiative in the state. He said Tripura has already received 11 megawatts of power generation under the programme. Around 17,000 people have registered for rooftop solar systems, while nearly 3,500 families have completed installations.
He further said that in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), TSECL, and the state government, an additional target has been set to generate nearly 150 megawatts of power through the planned installation of solar systems among identified low-consumption households.
“There are approximately three lakh families consuming less than 50 units of electricity. Initially, we have selected 1.5 lakh families and are hopeful that implementation work will begin from next month,” Nath said.
The minister also informed that Germany-based GIZ, in collaboration with TSECL, has been conducting training programmes for engineers, officials, and vendors on maintenance and repair of solar systems. Following the training programme, consumer handbooks in English and Bengali were launched to help users better understand rooftop solar operations and benefits.
