Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a significant initiative to provide 125 units of free electricity to every household in the state, effective from August 1, 2025. This move is expected to benefit approximately 1.67 crore domestic consumers across Bihar. The announcement, made on social media platform X, is aimed at easing the financial burden on households and expanding access to affordable electricity.
Kumar emphasized that this initiative reflects the state government's commitment to both sustainability and the welfare of its citizens. The government has consistently worked to keep electricity affordable, and this step marks a further commitment to that goal.
In addition to the free electricity provision, Kumar outlined a roadmap for renewable energy development in Bihar. Over the next three years, the government plans to install solar power plants on rooftops or nearby public land, with the consent of consumers. The ambitious target is to generate up to 10,000 MW of solar energy in the state.
The state government will fully cover the cost of installing solar panels for extremely poor families under the existing Kutir Jyoti Yojana. Other households will receive financial support to adopt solar power.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated that the decision would benefit 1.82 crore families, with 1.67 crore families consuming less than 125 units effectively having zero electricity bills. He also noted that the state government was already providing electricity at subsidized rates to consumers. The new decision will require an additional ₹3,375 crore, bringing the total subsidy expense to around ₹19,370 crore for this financial year. From next year, an additional burden of ₹5,063 crore will be placed on the state budget.
JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar hailed the move as a "master stroke" ahead of the elections, noting that it would benefit people across caste and religious lines and credited Kumar with improving energy access since assuming office. He added that Nitish Kumar had removed the lantern from the homes of the poor and backward classes and is now removing the burden of electricity bills.
The announcement comes ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar. Leader of Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has made a poll promise of 200 units of free electricity.
