PM's residence now runs entirely on solar power, government to buy surplus rooftop electricity at Tk 10.50 per unit

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has told the Jatiya Sangsad that the Prime Minister's residence now runs entirely on solar power, outside the national grid. He noted that the Prime Minister has set this example to encourage ordinary people.

The minister said that if ordinary people generate solar power on their rooftops, the government will buy the surplus electricity, after meeting their own needs, at Tk 10.50 per unit.

He made these remarks on Wednesday (11 November) while answering a question in the Jatiya Sangsad session. Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal presided over the session that day.

In the session, under Rule 71's 'attention to urgent matters of public importance' segment, reserved women's seat (33) MP Shawkat Ara Akter (Anny) raised the notice on ensuring energy security through modern smart solar systems and advanced IPS technology.

Replying to the notice, the power minister said, 'According to our election manifesto, there is a target to generate 30 percent of total electricity from renewable energy (solar). In the first five years, we want to bring 20 percent, or 10,000 megawatts of electricity, from solar. Policies have already been formulated and laws made for this.'

Saying campaigns are being run to popularise solar power, he said, 'People have to be made to understand that their own roof is a power generation centre. They can earn from there. The Honourable Prime Minister has announced that we will buy surplus electricity produced on rooftops at Tk 10.50. The production cost will be a maximum of Tk 8. That means, alongside using their own electricity, customers will be able to make a profit of more than Tk 2 per unit.'

Highlighting the Prime Minister's personal initiative to encourage people to use solar power, the minister told parliament, 'Our Prime Minister is now not on the grid. Her residence runs entirely on solar. With battery backup, her residence has electricity 24 hours a day. As the leader of the people, she has shown that if you do this too, you can use electricity without paying electricity bills.'

The minister informed parliament that the Cabinet Division has allocated funds to DCs of all districts to install solar in government offices. He also noted that the promulgation of an ordinance through the President has restored confidence in the private sector.

According to his information, 200 megawatts of solar power has already been added to the national grid within the past two months. He expressed hope that the target of 5,000 megawatts would be achieved very soon and the country would be freed from load-shedding.

In her supplementary question, MP Shawkat Ara Anny asked whether the government has any initiative to give domestic small and medium entrepreneurs equal opportunity or special benefits, alongside large commercial organisations, in installing solar panels. The Speaker also drew the minister's attention to the question.

In reply, the minister said, 'More than 8,000 organisations have already applied in the tender called for solar panel providers. Three more months have been given to increase the number of providers. Among the eight thousand applications submitted, there are small and large alike. Small entrepreneurs can also do business by installing solar on two to four rooftops if they wish. We have no restrictions here. They only have to work at the government-set price, and permission will be given.'