Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed on Saturday the streamlining of the solar panel financing scheme.

During a high-level meeting with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, and Punjab CMreviewed the ongoing issues related to the scheme, which is aimed at providing affordable solar energy solutions to Punjab’s residents.

Secretary Energy Naeem Rauf provided a comprehensive briefing on the Chief Minister Solar Panel Financing Scheme, highlighting that a pilot project is currently underway at various locations to assess the scheme’s performance and efficiency.

The scheme is slated for a rollout on August 14, following a successful review of the pilot phase. To ensure transparency and accuracy, eligibility for the scheme will be verified through a process involving the submission of a bill reference number and computerized identity card number to the dedicated short code 8800.

Successful applicants will be notified via SMS, with verification conducted by the district administration and distribution companies.

In the initial phase, the scheme will distribute solar panels to over 100,000 consumers selected through a lottery system.

However, eligibility criteria exclude those involved in electricity theft, who have multiple meters, damaged or tampered meters, or those with outstanding bills.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised the importance of providing relief to citizens amid rising costs of essentials like flour and electricity.

She expressed her commitment to gradually expanding the solar panel financing scheme to ensure widespread benefit. In addition, Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s fiscal prudence, noting that the province has presented a surplus of 625 billion rupees, contrasting with the financial conditions set by the IMF.