Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a new initiative to provide free electricity to low-usage households through solar energy solutions. This decision, aligning with Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s vision, aims to empower approximately 2.6 million off-grid homes across the region with sustainable energy.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the plan was solidified in a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, attended by Energy Minister Nasir Shah, Adviser Ahsan Mazari, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, and other key officials. The discussion focused on implementing solar home systems for households that currently do not have access to the grid, with an immediate goal to equip 500,000 homes in the first phase.
During the meeting, Minister Nasir Shah detailed the current electricity usage across the region, noting that about 80,000 households consume 50 MW of electricity monthly, with numbers substantially higher for those using up to 100 MW. The initiative includes the introduction of a 100-watt solar home system capable of powering three LED bulbs, a 35-watt DC fan, and mobile charging ports, which will provide six hours of battery backup.
The Chief Minister proposed further expansions, including the creation of six pilot micro-grids and three large solar parks to enhance energy accessibility for both on-grid and off-grid households. Each solar park is projected to produce 305 MW, aiming to significantly increase the renewable energy footprint in Sindh.
To facilitate this ambitious project, the Chief Minister has directed the preparation of detailed proposals for the solar parks and home systems, with plans to conduct feasibility studies soon. The initiative, estimated at a cost of 25 billion rupees for the solar home systems alone, represents a major step towards sustainable development in the region. The Chief Secretary has also been tasked with collecting data on potential solar home system users to aid in effective implementation and monitoring.