The North News
Patna, July 17
In what appears to be a populist move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced that all domestic electricity consumers in the state will receive up to 125 units of power free of charge starting August 1, 2025. The initiative is expected to benefit over 1.67 crore families.
“We have been committed to affordable electricity for all from the start,” he said. “From the July bill onwards, no domestic user will have to pay for the first 125 units of electricity.” The announcement marks one of the most ambitious energy subsidies rolled out by a state government in recent years, and comes as political parties in Bihar prepare to battle it out in the lead-up to elections.
But the government’s plans go beyond immediate relief. He also revealed a three-year plan to install rooftop or community-based solar power systems for households availing the subsidy—effectively transitioning the state towards a decentralised, renewable-powered model.
“Solar power plants will be set up on rooftops or nearby public land, with the consent of consumers,” Kumar said. “For families living in extreme poverty, the state will fully bear the installation cost under the Kutir Jyoti scheme. Others will receive appropriate financial support from the government. The state anticipates that the solar initiative will generate 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy over the next three years, potentially transforming Bihar’s electricity landscape while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
