RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Urban Administration and Development, Arun Sao, issued orders for energy audits in all the 184 urban bodies of the state.

He asked the officials that the conventional energy should be replaced with solar energy wherever possible.

Underling a point that due to lack of funds in urban bodies, electricity bills are not paid on time, leading to unnecessary surcharges and arrears payments each year. Conducting audits on energy and electricity bills will facilitate cost-saving measures.

Sao emphasized promoting green energy use in urban bodies to save on electricity costs and improve the environment. He has asked for a phased approach to have energy audits conducted by third-party professional agencies.

He said the power supply for ensuring drinking water supply and street lights is a must. The Power Companies had installed metres, which is read and billed on a monthly basis. Annually, approximately Rs 100 crores to Rs 200 crores are transferred to the Electricity Department for adjusting electricity bills in urban bodies. Currently, about ₹800 crores of pending payments are increasing surcharge amounts.

Holding a review meeting, Arun Sao asked for energy audits so that it will allow for a clear assessment of actual electricity consumption and unnecessary surcharge payments. Post-audit, policies will be developed to reduce electricity consumption and establish solar energy plants. Over the long term, reducing electricity consumption and installing solar energy plants could save approximately ₹800 crores to ₹1,000 crores. Additionally, urban bodies will gain carbon credits through the use of green energy.

He adds, the savings could fund infrastructure development and new schemes to provide basic amenities to citizens. It will also promote environmental sustainability.

The Government of India has also initiated innovative schemes like PM KUSUM, PM Suryodaya, and PM Suryaghar to promote solar energy use over conventional energy.