The Sindh government has announced an expansion of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) Solar Scheme, bringing 500,000 additional solar systems to low-income families. This initiative aims to provide sustainable energy solutions to underprivileged communities in Sindh, reducing their dependency on traditional power sources.
Key Announcements of BISP Solar Scheme
- Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed the plan to distribute an extra 500,000 solar systems this year.
- Initially, the government aimed to provide 200,000 solar systems under BISP.
- 50,000 units have already been distributed, with the remaining 150,000 to follow soon.
- The expansion aligns with the directives of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to promote renewable energy access among poor families.
Objectives of the BISP Solar Scheme
The expansion of the BISP Solar Scheme aims to:
- Provide cost-effective and sustainable energy to low-income households.
- Reduce the financial burden of electricity costs for poor families.
- Encourage the use of renewable energy in Sindh.
- Decrease dependency on the national power grid.
- Improve living conditions in areas with limited electricity access.
Waste-to-Energy Project in Karachi
Alongside the solar scheme, CM Murad Ali Shah announced a waste-to-energy initiative in Karachi. The project involves:
- Collecting 15,000 tons of waste daily.
- Converting the waste into 50 megawatts of electricity.
- Supporting Sindh’s renewable energy and urban waste management efforts.
Punjab’s Free Solar Panel Scheme
In a similar effort, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a Free Solar Panel Scheme. Key details include:
- 100,000 homes to receive free solar panels.
- The scheme’s budget is Rs10 billion.
- Aimed at providing relief from high electricity bills.
Distribution Plan for Sindh’s BISP Solar Scheme
| Phase | Solar Systems Distributed | Additional Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Phase | 50,000 | – |
| Upcoming Phase | 150,000 | – |
| Expansion | 500,000 | Extra allocation under PPP directive |
The BISP Solar Scheme expansion to 500,000 families in Sindh is a major step toward renewable energy adoption and financial relief for the underprivileged. Combined with the waste-to-energy initiative in Karachi and Punjab’s Free Solar Panel Scheme, Pakistan is moving towards a sustainable energy future.