MNRE Issues Operational Guidelines for PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Current Context: On January 14, 2025, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued operational guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).

• Implementation Models:
• RESCO Model:
• RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) will install, own, and maintain the rooftop solar systems.
• Consumers will pay for the electricity generated, often at a lower rate than conventional power.
• Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) Model:
• Utilities will aggregate demand and facilitate the installation of rooftop solar systems.
• The utility will manage the installation and maintenance, simplifying the process for consumers.
• Payment Security Mechanism (PSM):
• A ₹100 crore corpus fund has been allocated to ensure timely payments to service providers.
• This fund aims to mitigate investment risks and encourage more investment in rooftop solar installations.

Question:

1. What is the purpose of the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

• A) RESCO will install, own, and maintain the rooftop solar systems
• B) Consumers install and maintain the rooftop solar systems themselves.
• C) Consumers will pay a fixed monthly fee regardless of electricity usage.
• D) Government agencies will directly supply free solar panels to consumers.

Answer: A) Under the RESCO model, the Renewable Energy Service Company is responsible for installing, owning, and maintaining rooftop solar systems, and consumers pay only for the electricity generated.