The Government of Rajasthan has begun transferring a Rs 17,000 subsidy to eligible consumers under its 150-unit free electricity scheme, marking two years of the current administration. The rollout has started with Jaipur Discom, with other distribution companies in the state set to follow.

Once the subsidy is credited, beneficiaries will no longer receive the earlier 100-unit free electricity benefit from their subsequent bills. Jaipur Discom, which serves around 15 districts, has initiated the process, and the scheme will be extended across Rajasthan’s remaining discoms in phases.

Under the programme, the state is offering 150 units of free electricity through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana by encouraging rooftop solar adoption. Currently, only consumers already availing the 100-unit free power benefit and having a permanent roof are eligible to register.

Consumers installing rooftop solar systems are entitled to a central subsidy of Rs 33,000, applicable nationwide, along with the additional Rs 17,000 support from the Rajasthan government. Together, the total subsidy amounts to Rs 50,000, effectively bringing the cost of installing a 1.1 kW solar system to zero. Such a system can generate around 150 units of electricity per month, fully offsetting consumption up to that level and keeping the monthly bill at zero.

Any excess power generated beyond household consumption will be exported to the grid and adjusted in subsequent bills. If surplus units remain unadjusted, consumers will be paid for them at the end of the financial year, in line with existing regulations.

Registrations for the state subsidy remain open, with around 250,000 consumers having signed up in the past two months. Applications can be made through the Jaipur, Jodhpur or Ajmer Discom websites, or via the BijliMitra portal. The state subsidy of Rs 17,000 is capped at installations of up to 3 kW, while the central government offers subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 for systems of 3 kW or higher.

The state government clarified that households continuing under the earlier 100-unit free electricity scheme will retain that benefit. However, consumers opting for the 150-unit solar-based scheme will be shifted out of the 100-unit programme, effectively gaining an additional 50 units of free electricity through solar generation. Households without permanent roofs—estimated at about 3 million—will continue to receive the 100-unit benefit for now.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at accelerating rooftop solar adoption, lowering long-term power costs for consumers and easing pressure on the state’s electricity grid.