Solar Solution to Shortages
Neiphiu Rio launched the Nagaland Solar Mission earlier this week.
- More than a month after announcing the government’s green
energy plan in his budget speech, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launched the
Nagaland Solar Mission earlier this week, a move that can significantly
alleviate the state’s acute power crisis if implemented effectively. This
initiative – installation of residential roof-top solar (RTS) systems – which
promises to provide a subsidy of INR 20,000 per kW and a maximum of INR 50,000
for up to 3 kW, is intended to be implemented in convergence with the Prime Minister
Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (free electricity scheme). The state government
has allocated INR 10 crore for the mission during the current financial year
(FY 2025–26). It was informed that the total subsidy (after availing state and
GoI schemes) will be between 85% and 96% based on power output, drastically
cutting the solar installation cost. By launching the ambitious mission, the
Rio government has made its resolve to tackling the state’s perennial power
shortages very clear. But however noble the intention may be, efficient
planning and execution are pertinent to achieving the desired goal for any
project. Funds should reach the target audience and not end up in the pockets
of the corrupt, which normally is the case for many government schemes and
programmes.
- We have been made aware that Nagaland spends close to INR
300 crore annually on power purchase. This is a huge amount for a
revenue-starved state. The concerned department has taken up several measures,
including stopping power theft, creating awareness of the need to pay
electricity bills on time, and installing smart prepayment meters to increase
revenue, but the state continues to face power shortages, leading to frequent
outages. The situation is only getting worse due to the ever-increasing demand
amid rapid urbanisation and change of lifestyle. However, energy consumption is
bound to increase in a developing economy, so the only way forward is to meet
the demand. For instance, most industries require an uninterrupted power
supply, while facilities like cold storage, waste recycling plants, and several
others need reliable electricity. No company worth its salt will invest in a
state that can’t provide uninterrupted power, which is a basic necessity. The
state government should prioritise enhancing power infrastructure, particularly
hydroelectric power plants, to meet the ever-growing demand. The state’s
initiative to empower households with solar energy is a laudable alternative
solution. If effectively implemented, this scheme can lower electricity bills,
reduce the government’s expenses on the purchase of power, and address power
deficits.
