Rawalpindi: Plans are underway to transition government institutions in Punjab to solar power, aiming to alleviate concerns over soaring electricity bills and operational challenges.
A meeting led by Chairman PND Iftikhar Sahu, with the participation of several officers via video conferencing, resulted in the decision to convert the infrastructure of various government bodies in the province to solar energy.
During the meeting, it was agreed that a total of 5 facilities under the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and 19 other institutions would be upgraded to solar power systems. Notably, the Rawal Filtration Plant in Wasa Rawalpindi is set to be equipped with a 250 KW solar system, requiring an investment of 6 crore for the conversion.
Furthering the initiative, the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi is earmarked for a significant transformation, with a 2-megawatt solar system planned at an estimated cost of 50 crores. Directives have also been issued to Wasa branches in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Multan to explore viable sites for solar panel installations.
In parallel, 19 institutions across Punjab have been requested to provide project outlines for solar system implementation. The adoption of solar energy could potentially result in government institutions reducing their monthly electricity bills by 60 to 70 percent.
