*Governor Reviews Chandigarh’s Renewable Energy Initiatives, Highlights Progress in Rooftop Solar and EV Charging Infrastructure*
*Chandigarh, October 4, 2024:* The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, chaired a review meeting today with the Department of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy and the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) to assess the city’s renewable energy initiatives. Sh. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to the Administrator; Sh. Mandeep Brar, Home Secretary; Sh. TC Nautiyal, Secretary of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy; and other senior officials were present during the review meeting.
Sh. TC Nautiyal highlighted the achievement of 67 MWp of installed rooftop solar capacity, emphasizing the city’s goal of full solar saturation in government buildings by December 2024 and in private households by December 2025. Currently, 56% of government buildings are equipped with solar panels, and the city aims to exceed 80 MWp by the end of 2024.
A key initiative discussed was the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides subsidies up to ₹78,000 for rooftop solar installations. Households consuming 300 units of electricity per month can eliminate their bills by installing a 3KWp solar plant. The Administrator appreciated the scheme for its potential to alleviate household expenses and support the city’s green energy objectives.
The Administrator stressed the importance of citizen compliance with mandatory solar installations and proposed that CREST engage Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in awareness sessions. CREST will assist residents in maximizing benefits from the PM Surya Ghar scheme and consider installing solar lighting in public parks to further enhance sustainability.
The review also addressed by the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, with Chandigarh currently operating 14 stations and an additional 4-5 expected to launch soon. Citizens can access real-time information on these stations through the Electriva app.
The Governor commended CREST’s efforts in facilitating Chandigarh’s renewable energy transition and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to a sustainable future.
