Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma wants more solar power. He led a review meeting Tuesday at the State Guest House in Shillong to fast-track the PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme. The program offers families up to 300 units of free power each month. It also provides central aid worth 78,000 rupees for rooftop setups.
High costs are stopping people from buying in. Officials told the Chief Minister that rough terrain and steep shipping fees keep prices high. The state plans to combine federal help with the existing Chief Minister’s Solar Mission to lower the payback time for residents. The state will also look at battery storage to keep the lights on during peak hours.
Sangma directed his team to install solar gear at public sites. Schools and anganwadi centers are high on the list. He wants to involve youth groups in campaigns to spread the word. "The meeting also examined opportunities to align the PM Surya Ghar Scheme with the State Government’s ongoing renewable energy initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission."
Energy security is the main goal. The state is scouting new ways to generate power in remote spots. Officials are testing biogas, biomass, and micro-hydel systems to supplement the solar rollout. They want to cut electricity bills and lean less on the main grid.
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