Electricity today is no longer just a basic service — it is closely linked to dignity, livelihoods and overall development. Keeping this in mind, the Punjab government has introduced a series of measures over the past few years to make power more affordable, reliable and accessible for households, farmers and industries across the state.
From free domestic electricity to the takeover of a private thermal power plant, Punjab’s power sector has seen major changes aimed at easing the burden on common people.
Free domestic electricity: When it started
Punjab rolled out free electricity for domestic consumers in 2022. Under the scheme, households receive up to 300 units of free power every month. The move has provided significant relief, especially to middle-class and low-income families grappling with rising household expenses.
Many families now save several thousand rupees annually on electricity bills.
A resident said, “Earlier, electricity bills were a constant worry. Now the free units help us save money, which we spend on our children’s education and daily needs.”
How free power is impacting daily life
The scheme has helped families to:
Use fans and coolers freely during summers
Run essential appliances like refrigerators and washing machines
Improve overall living conditions
Cut down monthly household expenses
For many households, the benefit goes beyond savings — it has translated into a better quality of life.
Reliable electricity for farmers
Agriculture remains the backbone of Punjab’s economy, and uninterrupted power supply is crucial for farming activities. The government has ensured regular electricity for farmers, particularly during the paddy cultivation season, helping them run irrigation pumps without disruption.
This has also reduced farmers’ dependence on diesel, lowering their input costs.
A farmer from central Punjab said, “Power supply to our fields has improved. Irrigation is smoother now, and our expenses have come down.”
A first-of-its-kind move: Goindwal Sahib thermal plant
In a first for the country, the Punjab government acquired a privately owned thermal power plant at Goindwal Sahib. The plant has been renamed after Shri Guru Amar Das Ji.
The takeover is expected to help the state by:
Securing long-term power availability
Reducing dependence on expensive private power purchases
Giving the government greater control over electricity generation
With the plant under state ownership, Punjab can generate power at more stable costs and better manage supply during high-demand periods.
Strengthening the state’s power supply
The acquisition of the Goindwal Sahib plant, along with improved management of existing power infrastructure, has contributed to:
Reduced power shortages
More reliable electricity supply
Better support for domestic and agricultural consumers
These measures aim to prevent power cuts, particularly during peak summer months.
Chief Minister’s view
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has repeatedly stressed that electricity should not be treated as a luxury.
“Power is a basic right,” he said, adding that the government’s focus is on ensuring free electricity for households, uninterrupted supply for farmers and energy security for the state through its own power generation.
A people-first approach
Punjab’s recent power sector reforms highlight how electricity policies can directly impact people’s lives. Lower bills have eased household finances, improved power supply has supported farmers, and stable electricity has helped maintain economic activity.
By combining free domestic electricity with stronger infrastructure and state-owned generation, the government is trying to build a more people-centric and sustainable power model for Punjab.