Nagpur: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) will now provide customers with free net meters under the Prime Minister's Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, enabling them to generate free electricity through rooftop solar energy projects. This initiative will allow customers to track the amount of electricity generated by their solar projects and the electricity consumed by their households through a mobile app, providing real-time updates.

This move comes following the directive of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as stated by Lokesh Chandra, Chairman and Managing Director of MSEDCL.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme to offer free electricity to domestic consumers using up to 300 units per month and allow them to earn income by selling excess power. Under this scheme, customers installing projects with capacities up to 3 kW are eligible for subsidies from the central government.

To monitor the electricity produced by the solar project installed on the customer's rooftop, as well as the electricity consumed and any excess sold back to MSEDCL, a special net meter is required. Previously, customers had to bear the cost of this net meter. However, MSEDCL has now decided to provide these solar net meters free of charge. This will not only save customers' money but also allow them to receive daily updates on their energy production, consumption, and excess units via their mobile phones. As a result, customers can plan their energy consumption to potentially reduce their electricity bill to zero.

Currently, 323,000 customers in the state have applied for the Prime Minister's Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, and all of them will benefit from MSEDCL’s decision to provide free solar net meters.

Since the launch of the scheme in February 2024, 83,074 customers in the state have installed rooftop solar energy projects, with a combined capacity of 315 MW. These customers have been approved for subsidies totaling ₹647 crore from the central government.

To benefit from the scheme, customers must register on the website www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in. MSEDCL is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the scheme in the state. The company has developed a dedicated portal, eliminating the need for customers and suppliers to visit MSEDCL offices. From registration to project approval, the process remains "faceless" and "paperless," ensuring a smooth and fast implementation of the scheme.