KPDCL rolls out 60% solar subsidy, power amnesty benefits to 1.05 lakh consumers

Srinagar, Aug 9: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Friday described the heavily-subsidised PM Surya Ghar Scheme and late payment surcharge waiver under the Power Amnesty Scheme as major steps to reduce the financial burden on domestic consumers.

A KPDCL spokesperson in a statement issued here said that the beneficiaries of solar rooftops up to 3 kwp would now be eligible for a subsidy of Rs 94,800, thereby making the PM Surya Ghar Scheme subsidised up to 60 percent of the project cost of Rs 1.59 lakh.

Similarly, under the Power Amnesty Scheme, domestic consumers are already getting interest waivers if they pay their principal amount due in one go or instalments till March 31, 2025.

PM Surya Ghar Scheme has become more attractive after the J&K government provided an additional subsidy of Rs 3000 for 1 kwp, 6000 for 2 kwp and Rs 9000 for 3 kwp plant, which takes the maximum ceiling of subsidy from Rs 85,800 earlier to Rs 94,800 for a plant up to 3 kwp under the scheme.

“J&K government will reimburse its share along with MN&RE subsidy directly into the account of the beneficiary consumer after successful commissioning of the plant is uploaded on the national portal,” the KPDCL spokesman said. “The government has sanctioned Rs 27.07 crore for 44,000 beneficiaries of Kashmir division as J&K’s share of subsidy, which would be spread over till March 31, 2027.

He said that the time-bound release of subsidies, empanelled vendors, and online tracking of SRT on the national portal were the major highlights of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme for residential households.

“The government has fixed a target of 1000 solar rooftops per month for Kashmir DISCOM for which KPDCL has nominated engineers to facilitate the process of installation of SRT panels and submission of commissioning reports,” the spokesman said.

He urged domestic consumers to avail the late payment surcharge waiver under the ongoing Power Amnesty Scheme, which is set to close on March 31, 2025.

“So far, 1.05 lakh beneficiaries have settled their claims by paying the principal amount to KPDCL to the tune of Rs 150 crore,” the KPDCL spokesman said.

The KPDCL called upon the remaining 45,000 domestic consumers with huge electricity arrears to approach their Electric Subdivisions to avail the Amnesty Scheme at the earliest.

“As per the terms of reference of the orders issued, there will be no further extension of the Amnesty Scheme beyond March 31, 2025,” the spokesman said. “The KPDCL has been organising amnesty camps across all electric divisions to facilitate the domestic consumers.”