Guwahathati, June 25 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that 17.6 per cent of households that have installed rooftop solar panels under the Centre's PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana are now paying zero electricity bills, highlighting the growing impact of the flagship renewable energy programme in the state. In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the scheme has brought about a significant transformation in Assam by reducing electricity expenses for thousands of households while strengthening the state's clean energy transition."Seventeen-point-six per cent of Assam's solar households have paid zero electricity bills. This is the transformation which PM Surya Ghar has brought about in Assam, which stands among the top five states in the country in implementing the scheme," CM Sarma said.According to the Chief Minister, the PM Surya Ghar initiative is ensuring both energy security and economic benefits for consumers by enabling households to generate electricity through rooftop solar installations.

The scheme has helped beneficiaries substantially cut their monthly power bills, with a sizeable section recording zero expenditure on electricity.The state government has been actively promoting rooftop solar adoption in coordination with the Centre, encouraging eligible households to install solar panels and avail themselves of financial assistance under the scheme.Officials believe the programme will not only reduce dependence on conventional sources of power but also contribute to Assam's long-term renewable energy goals.CM Sarma's remarks come as Assam continues to expand its renewable energy footprint and improve access to clean and affordable power.The Chief Minister asserted that the state's performance in implementing the PM Surya Ghar scheme has placed Assam among the country's leading performers.The PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana aims to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across India by providing subsidies for residential solar installations, reducing household electricity costs and promoting sustainable energy generation.The Centre has projected the scheme as a key initiative to increase renewable energy capacity while easing the financial burden on consumers.

/IANS