More than 2.2 lakh installations under ULA model

NEW DELHI: More than 2.2 lakh low-income families have so far benefited from rooftop solar systems across five states under the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, govt said Tuesday.While Andhra Pradesh tops the list with 1.4 lakh installations, Odisha follows with nearly 74,000 installations. To scale up deployment, ministry of new and renewable energy has accorded approval to 12 states and UTs for 16.5 lakh installations. Govt has set a target of 30 lakh rooftop solar installations through the ULA mechanism, out of the one crore national target by March 2027 under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.While standard rooftop solar installations under the Rs 75,021 crore scheme have reached close to 45 lakh, benefiting 53.5 lakh households, over 60% opted for the larger 3-kW category. “The trend highlights limited participation from lower-income families who cannot afford the typical upfront capital outlay of Rs 1-2 lakh. The ULA model addresses this gap by shifting the initial cost, vendor search, and operational duties from individual homeowners to state electricity distribution companies (discoms) and state agencies,” said an official.By aggregating demand across thousands of homes in specific regions, discoms execute bulk tenders that significantly reduce per-unit equipment costs. Through ULA, discoms and states can focus on low-income and below poverty line households who are frugal consumers, thereby reducing the recurring power subsidy burden through a one-time investment.Get the latest Business News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.