By Firstdespatch Desk May 04, 2025
Agartala, May 4 (FD) In a significant step towards promoting renewable energy, 266 households in Tripura have been equipped with solar power systems under the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative, aimed at reducing electricity costs and promoting sustainability, targets the installation of solar systems in 50,000 homes by March 2027.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, Power Minister Ratanlal Nath shared updates on the scheme and the government’s future energy plans. He highlighted that 13,536 individuals have already registered online to benefit from the initiative. “Modern life is impossible without electricity. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized the power sector with a special focus on renewable energy,” said the Minister.
So far, 184 beneficiaries have received government subsidies, while 15 individuals have availed bank loans totaling ₹1.75 crore for installing solar systems. These rooftop solar units allow consumers to not only generate their own electricity but also sell excess power back to the grid, providing an additional source of income. According to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), ₹30,902 has been transferred to 70 beneficiaries who have earned from surplus solar energy.
Under the scheme, domestic consumers can install systems of up to 10 kW, with government subsidies available for up to 3 kW. For housing societies and residential welfare associations, installations of up to 500 kW are permitted (with a maximum of 3 kW per household) and subsidies offered at ₹19,800 per kW.
The Minister urged more citizens to utilize the scheme and move towards self-reliance in energy.
In addition to solar expansion, 19 MW of electricity is currently being produced at Rukhia, and with Asian Development Bank support, the existing 63 MW open-cycle gas turbine plant will be upgraded to a 120 MW combined-cycle system, enhancing output without extra gas use.
Other projects include:
-
Renovation of the Gumti Hydroelectric Project to generate 15 MW.
-
Revival of the Maharani Micro Hydel Project (inactive for 35 years) to produce 1 MW.
-
Feasibility studies for 10 new mini-hydro projects across the state.
-
A proposed 800 MW pump storage project in Chawmanu, Dhalai district.
To strengthen grid reliability, a new State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) will be established in Kumarghat to back up the existing one in Agartala. Plans are underway for three 33 kV gas-insulated substations, and 45 electric vehicle charging stations will be set up across Tripura.
The Minister also announced underground cable line installations, covered conductors, LT AB cables, and smart meters to modernize the state’s electricity infrastructure.
Looking ahead, 100 MW of solar systems will be installed in 80,000 low-income households that consume under 100 units monthly. All government institutions are also set to receive solar installations.
Minister Nath concluded that while the state’s summer peak demand is 370 MW, the current available supply is 372 MW, indicating stable power availability.
TSECL General Manager Swapan Debbarma, AGM Konkalal Das, and other senior officials were present at the press briefing.