Jaipur, April 26 (Udaipur Kiran): A dispute over “free electricity” under solar connections has intensified in the district, with consumers alleging that promised benefits are not being delivered.
Consumers claimed they were assured 150 units of free electricity after installing solar panels, but are now receiving neither the promised 150 units nor the earlier benefit of 100 units of free power.
The controversy has surfaced in areas including Chauth Ka Barwara, where registration camps were set up to promote solar energy. According to consumers, officials and agencies highlighted the benefits of solar power and encouraged large-scale registrations. Trusting these claims, many households invested significant amounts in installing solar panels on their rooftops, with expenses ranging from around Rs 1.75 lakh to over Rs 2.25 lakh.
However, after receiving electricity bills, many consumers said they felt misled, as the expected benefits were not reflected.
Earlier, under the state’s free electricity scheme, consumers were entitled to up to 100 units of free power. It was claimed that after installing solar connections, this benefit would increase to 150 units. Consumers now allege that the benefit has been discontinued entirely, leading to growing dissatisfaction. Some have warned of approaching consumer courts over the issue.
As per available details, the central government provides a subsidy of around Rs 34,000 per kilowatt for solar connections, which can go up to about Rs 78,000 for systems up to 3 kilowatts. The installation cost of a 3 kW solar system is approximately Rs 1.75 lakh, with subsidy limits fixed even for higher capacities.
Consumers further alleged that they were not given complete information about the scheme and were encouraged to install solar systems based on partial details. The issue has raised concerns over transparency and consumer awareness in solar initiatives.
Assistant Engineer Manish Kumar from Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam, Chauth Ka Barwara, said that households with solar connections are not eligible for an additional 100 units of free electricity. He stated that a 1 kW solar system generates around 150 units of electricity per month, which directly benefits the consumer.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
