Haryana plans zero electricity bills for lakhs of families; New Solar Scheme to cover 1 kW consumers
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 4, 2026: In a major push towards affordable clean energy, Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij announced that the state government is preparing a new solar power scheme that could bring electricity bills close to zero for more than seven lakh households across the state.
The proposed initiative aims to provide rooftop solar systems to domestic consumers with electricity connections of up to 1 kW, a category that largely includes low-consumption households.
Unlike conventional subsidy schemes, beneficiaries will not have to run from office to office or visit banks for loans and guarantees. Instead, government officials will visit consumers’ homes, complete the required paperwork, and facilitate the installation of solar panels directly on their rooftops.
According to Vij, Haryana has more than 700,000 domestic consumers with connected loads of up to 1 kW who stand to benefit from the scheme.
Once the solar systems are installed, their monthly electricity bills are expected to reduce drastically, with many households potentially paying almost nothing for power.
The government is also working on a similar model for consumers with electricity loads of up to 5 kW who have a record of regular bill payments.
Under this proposal, consumers would receive government subsidies, while the remaining installation cost would be recovered through easy installments. Importantly, no bank loan would be required, making solar power more accessible to middle-class families.
In another significant proposal aimed at boosting rural incomes, Vij revealed that he has urged Union Power Minister Manohar Lal to allow farmers to install solar power plants on vacant agricultural land.
Under the proposed arrangement, farmers would bear the installation cost, while the government would purchase the electricity generated at pre-determined rates.
The initiative could create a steady source of additional income for farmers while increasing renewable energy generation in the state.
The announcement comes as Haryana prepares to receive three national awards for its performance under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Vij said the recognition reflects Haryana’s strong performance in promoting solar energy and implementing rooftop solar projects.
Highlighting the state’s achievements, he said Haryana has recorded the highest number of applications under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and has set a target of installing 2.2 lakh rooftop solar systems during the current financial year. The government aims to achieve this target ahead of schedule.
Vij also noted that thousands of Haryana farmers have already adopted solar-powered irrigation pumps under the PM-KUSUM Scheme. Although the scheme’s portal has recently closed, many applications are still pending and will be processed in the coming months.
Calling solar energy the “energy of the future,” the Energy Minister said Haryana is determined to emerge as a national leader in renewable energy. With fossil fuels such as coal, gas and petroleum being finite resources, the state is focusing on harnessing solar power to meet its growing energy needs while reducing dependence on conventional sources.
If implemented successfully, the new initiatives could not only lower household electricity expenses but also open a new income stream for farmers, accelerating Haryana’s transition towards a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future.