Punjab Govt Plans to Shift All 43 Jails to Solar Energy

The Government of Punjab has decided to transition all 43 prisons across the province to solar energy. The Home Department has finalized the plan and submitted it for approval to the Chief Minister. The Home Department, with the assistance of the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), has completed an initial survey of all jails. During the survey, the estimated cost of shifting the prisons to solar energy was assessed. According to NRTC, the total cost of the project stands at approximately Rs. 4.35 billion, which is less than the current annual electricity and gas expenses of these jails. Currently, the annual electricity and gas bill for Punjab’s prisons has reached Rs. 4.5 billion. By implementing the solar energy plan in phases, the province is expected to reduce electricity costs by up to 60 percent. The shift to green energy is projected to recover the investment within three years while providing long-term financial relief. The move comes in response to record increases in electricity and gas bills over the past years. The Home Department has formally requested the provincial cabinet to review and approve the proposal. It has also recommended allocating Rs. 2 billion for the project in the ongoing financial year to initiate the transition. Once implemented, Punjab’s prisons will become self-sufficient in energy, significantly reducing the financial strain on the government. The transition to solar energy aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and cost-effective governance, ensuring a long-term solution to rising energy expenses in the province.