KP launches solar energy project to tackle power crisis

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has practically launched its flagship project “Solarisation of Houses” aimed at providing free and subsidised solar energy solutions to households across the province.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur formally inaugurated the initiative at a special ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar on Thursday.

The event was attended by provincial cabinet members, members of the provincial assembly, government officials, and media representatives. Under the first phase of the project, 32,500 households will receive free solar units, including solar panels, batteries, fans, lights, and other necessary equipment.

The selection process was conducted through an electronic balloting system, following an overwhelming response of over 2.5 million online applications. Overall, the project aims to provide solar systems to 130,000 households, including 30,000 homes in the merged districts. Out of these, 65,000 households will receive solar units free of cost, while another 65,000 households will have access to solar systems at half the price, with the option of easy installment payments.

The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 20 billion, and it will be implemented in two phases - 65,000 households in the first phase and the remaining 65,000 in the second phase.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasised that the initiative was launched to tackle the country’s electricity crisis and prolonged loadshedding, providing much-needed relief to underprivileged communities.

“In line with the vision of our founding chairman, we are committed to providing relief and essential services to the people,” he said, adding that a welfare state must ensure access to basic necessities for its most deserving citizens.

He said that the provision of solar units is being conducted through a transparent, electronic balloting system, with priority given to widows, transgender individuals, and other vulnerable groups, and added that each district is receiving its share based on population proportion, ensuring fair distribution across the province. He also stressed that the selection process has been kept free from political or external influence, ensuring transparency and merit-based allocation.

“With over 2.5 million applications, this overwhelming response reflects public trust in our system, and we thank the people for their confidence in us,” Gandapur stated, adding that the KP government was leading in governance and would continue to do so in future as well.