With the Centre launching a month-long campaign to promote rooftop solar adoption, Regional Commissioner and in-charge Managing Director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC), Nitesh Patil, on Tuesday stressed the need for large-scale public awareness to ensure effective implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, observing that the scheme was yet to receive the expected response despite being launched in 2024.

Presiding over a meeting with officials and empanelled vendors at the CESC headquarters here, Mr. Patil said coordinated efforts by officials and vendors were essential to increase consumer participation and help more households benefit from the rooftop solar initiative.

“Though the scheme was launched in 2024, the number of applications has not reached the expected level. With electricity tariffs increasing, consumers installing rooftop solar systems can potentially save at least ₹25,000 annually. The scheme also offers government subsidy support, making it economically beneficial. Greater awareness and wider dissemination of information are necessary to encourage more consumers to avail themselves of the benefits,” he said.

Mr. Patil noted that many consumers had not yet selected vendors, indicating a lack of awareness about the scheme and its implementation process. He directed officials to identify such applicants and reach out to them with information on the benefits.

He emphasised the need to make details of empanelled vendors easily accessible so that consumers could choose service providers according to their requirements and convenience.

Directing officials to expedite scrutiny of applications immediately after submission, Mr. Patil instructed vendors to complete all related works, including installation of smart meters, within five days of approval. “People should be assured about the reliability, efficiency and long-term benefits of rooftop solar installations.”

Mr. Patil also called for coordination with urban local bodies, district administrations and other institutions to strengthen implementation of the scheme. Vendors were also urged to directly engage with prospective consumers and create awareness about the advantages of rooftop solar systems.

CESC Technical Director Sharannamma S. Jangin, Chief Engineer L. Lokesh, Superintending Engineers Sunil Kumar and Somashekhar, and General Managers H.R. Dinesh and R. Ramaswamy attended the meeting.