Varanasi: The holy city has emerged as a successful model of clean energy, environmental conservation, employment generation and local entrepreneurship development under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. Thousands of families are receiving economic and social benefits through the scheme, with solar energy expanding extensively in Varanasi. With more than 153.20 MW of energy installed capacity in over 44,888 houses, Varanasi stands among the leading solar energy districts of UP. Chief development officer Prakhar Kumar Singh said 71,513 consumers have applied so far, while rooftop solar plants were installed in 44,888 houses. Along with this, more than 153.2 MW of solar energy capacity has been developed in Varanasi, which reflects the rapidly increasing spread and awareness of clean energy in the district. The CDO said approximately 7.66 lakh units clean electricity is being produced daily from installed rooftop solar plants. The estimated economic value of this electricity generated daily is worth more than Rs. 53.62 lakh. This has not only reduced dependence on conventional energy sources but also strengthened energy security and economic activities at the local level. District magistrate Satyendra Kumar said direct benefit of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana is visible in electricity bills received by consumers. According to May 2026 data, net bill of 20,758 solar consumers in Varanasi was recorded at Rs. 500 or less. Among these, bill of 8,109 consumers was in the negative (money deposited with the department), which shows that they generated more electricity than their requirement and exported it to the grid, earning direct economic benefit as energy producers. Meanwhile, average billed amount of 12,149 consumers was between Rs 101 and Rs 500 and between Rs 1 and Rs. 100 of 496 consumers. Four consumers received bill with zero amount payable. The current installed capacity is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2.3 lakh metric tonnes per year. This benefit is equivalent to carbon absorbed in one year by approximately 115 lakh mature trees. Thus, the system is reducing air pollution and promoting a clean and green environment. Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) senior project officer Shashi Gupta said 358 local entrepreneurs have been developed by UPNEDA in Varanasi as empanelled solar vendors. The entrepreneurs have developed a strong solar energy ecosystem in the district, which created new opportunities for investment, business and technical services at the local level. With expansion of solar energy sector, more than 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities have been developed in areas such as sales, engineering, site survey, installation, logistics, warehousing, financial services, material supply, and maintenance. This has provided new livelihood opportunities to youth, technicians, engineers, women, and local entrepreneurs, and has promoted the green economy in the district. “Thousands of families in Varanasi are meeting their domestic electricity requirements while achieving remarkable savings in electricity expenditure through additional energy production. Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana is not just a clean energy programme, but also an effective means of energy self-reliance, domestic savings and economic empowerment,” said the CDO.
