‘Zero Electricity Bill, Surplus Power’: Tripura’s Power Sector racing ahead; says Ratan Lal Nath

Agartala Jan 22: In a transformative gesture poised to redefine Tripura's energy frontier and elevate it to new economic heights, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath unveiled groundbreaking plans. His vision promises to eliminate electricity costs entirely for the public, catalysing a wave of financial relief. This revolutionary initiative not only aims to steer the state towards remarkable economic growth but also to empower its citizens with unprecedented access to free and sustainable energy.

In an interview with Tripura Times, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath delineated his comprehensive strategy, aimed at transforming the state's energy dynamics. 

His ambitious blueprint includes slashing electricity bills to zero through the widespread adoption of rooftop solar panels in every household. 

"I want three things," Nath revealed. "Every household's power bill should be zero; we should sell surplus electricity and earn money; and I want to make Tripura self-reliant in the energy sector as we transition to the era of electric vehicles." 

His words capture a future brimming with sustainable energy solutions, economic prosperity, and national self-reliance.

Here are few important excerpts from the interview:-

- A key priority is transitioning towards renewable energy. 

In Tripura's power sector, dependency on coal gas presents a significant challenge, compounded by companies like ONGC struggling to meet the essential demands for electricity generation. Recently, even the modest 4-5 MW derived from water bodies such as Dumboor took a hit from the devastating floods in August 2024. In these testing times, the sun emerges as our steadfast ally—solar energy stands as the sole beacon of hope, ready to power our future sustainably and resiliently.

 

- Tripura leads the nation in the successful execution of the PM-KUSUM Scheme.

- The Pradhan Mantri- Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme has reached remarkable milestones in the state, bringing equal benefits to the agricultural sector, enhancing farmers' incomes, and generating electricity. This transformative project has been a game changer for our farmers, enabling them to grow crops three times a year. Beyond reducing dependency on traditional electricity sources, the solar panels guarantee assured irrigation for at least 25 years.

With a target to install 10,895 solar pumps, the project has already made significant progress. The power minister revealed that 3,616 pumps have been installed across eight districts, irrigating 7,232 acres of land and benefiting an equal number of farmers. The district-wise installations include 361 pumps in Dhalai, 334 in Unakoti, 290 in Gomati, 460 in South Tripura, 459 in Khowai, 715 in Sepahijala, 777 in West Tripura, and 220 in North Tripura.

Currently, 5,015 pumps are being installed, expected to irrigate an additional 10,030 acres of farmland and benefit over 5,000 farmers. Once the full target of 10,895 pumps is achieved, it will irrigate 21,790 acres of farmland, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 324 crore. Additionally, the state government is bearing the entire cost of Rs 1.19 lakh for creating water sources, ensuring double income of the farmers.

 

               

 

- PM-DevINE Scheme targets to provide purified drinking water along with zero cost electric supply to 9,253 families

In the hilly terrains of Tripura, establishing electric networks often poses significant challenges, especially in the rural areas. Amidst these formidable landscapes, the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme has brought hope. Identifying 274 neighbourhoods, encompassing a total of 9,253 families, this initiative is transforming lives by installing solar plates in these areas.

 

Under this scheme, solar energy is not only lighting up homes but also providing purified drinking water to the residents. 

Fully funded by the centre, 15 solar panels have already been installed, with 50 more installations scheduled in the coming days. This renewable energy solution is a beacon of sustainable development, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential resources.

 

- PM-Surya Ghar to ensure zero electricity bills

Meant for households, Pradhan Mantri- Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojana is a centre funded Roof Top Solar scheme where installation cost for 1Kw is about Rs 65-70 thousand, where the government will bear the cost of Rs 33 thousand. For 2Kw the cost is about Rs 1-1.30 lakh where the government will bear around Rs 63 thousand of the total cost and in case of 3 Kw the entire cost of installation will be Rs 1.90-2 lakh when the government will bear almost Rs 85 thousand.

Now, people might think, “When we are spending money, how is it Muft or Free of Cost”?

Yes, it is free of Cost, said Nath. The minimal amount a person will spend is only during the time of installation and later he/she can be his/her own producer of electricity.

In addition to reducing their electricity costs, the homeowners will be able to increase their revenue by selling any excess energy to Bidyut Nigam.

 

- Target to generate around 800 MW of electricity though turbine 

We have recently signed a MoU with NHBC where two large tanks comprising at least 7-10 km area, one at ground level and another up at the hill will be built at Chamanu that would generate approximately 800 MW of electricity with the help of turbine that will be clean energy. 

 

- The department also eyes to set up storage units to store the excess energy generated through various schemes.

 

- Power sector of Tripura is racing forward, a system which is transparent, consumer friendly and will also boost the economy of the state.