In a significant stride towards India’s clean energy transition, Matikhala village in Ganjam district of Odisha has emerged as a model for rural solar adoption after becoming fully solarised under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (ULA model). The initiative was implemented by TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) and demonstrates how decentralised renewable energy solutions can transform rural livelihoods while supporting national sustainability goals. The village is located under Kanamana Panchayat in Chhatrapur block.

Two hundred eligible households with a contract demand of one kilowatt (kW) have been equipped with rooftop solar connections, with each beneficiary provided with a one kW system to generate electricity and reduce dependence on conventional power sources. The systems are designed to provide reliable energy support for up to 25 years and are expected to lower monthly electricity expenses for households. The district administration of Ganjam supplied necessary financial support to achieve full coverage of eligible beneficiaries.

Under the ULA model a beneficiary contributes Rs. 5,622 which covers the cost of the solar panel and solar meter, making the scheme accessible and affordable for rural families. The model ensures long-term benefits and has resulted in Matikhala being declared fully solarised with all eligible households covered. District planners have set a target of covering 50 households from each Panchayat and intend to promote self-help groups to facilitate wider uptake.

The project was inaugurated by Krushna Chandra Nayak, the MLA of Chhatrapur, in the presence of the Collector and District Magistrate Keerthi Vasan V, the CEO of TPSODL Amit Kumar Garg, the BDO of Chhatrapur Sambit Sangramjit Sahoo and other senior officials. Officials indicated that the government is committed to promoting clean and affordable energy solutions at the grassroots and will continue to support expansion of the ULA model. TPSODL stated that it is committed to scaling similar initiatives to build cleaner and greener rural energy systems.