Bihar Launches INR 1,512 Crore Rooftop Solar Programme for 2.5 Lakh 'Kutir Jyoti Consumers'

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has  launched a INR 1,512 crore initiative to install rooftop solar power systems on the homes of 2.5 lakh 'Kutir Jyoti Consumers' under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, directing officials to complete the installations by November 20, 2026.

Launching the project remotely from Vidyut Bhawan in Patna, Choudhary said that the state government should also prepare to expand the scheme to around 25 lakh households by November 20, 2027, when the NDA government in Bihar completes two years in office.

The chief minister said the rooftop solar programme aims to provide clean, affordable and sustainable energy to economically weaker families while accelerating the adoption of renewable energy across the state. He added that the government would support participating households by purchasing surplus electricity generated through rooftop solar systems beyond 125 units.

During the event, Choudhary also inaugurated power sector development projects worth INR 1,278 crore. He highlighted the transformation of Bihar’s electricity sector over the past two decades, noting that the number of electricity connections in the state has increased from 17 lakh in 2005 to 2.22 crore at present.

The chief minister said Bihar currently provides 125 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, describing the initiative as an outcome of the Mahila Samvad programme launched by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He also claimed that Bihar offers the highest level of power subsidy in the country, with annual support of around INR 23,000 crore to electricity consumers.

According to Choudhary, Bihar’s electricity demand has grown significantly, with power consumption rising from around 400–500 MW in 2005 to nearly 9,000 MW today.

Before the launch programme, the chief minister visited the State Load Dispatch Centre at Vidyut Bhawan, where officials briefed him on real-time power demand and supply across the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal and Energy Secretary Ajay Yadav were also present at the event.