In a bid to tackle rising energy costs, the Punjab government has decided to transition all 43 jails in the province to solar energy, a move expected to slash electricity and gas costs by up to 60%. The plan, presented by the Punjab Home Department, is currently awaiting final approval from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, according to a report by Express News.
The decision comes after an initial survey conducted by the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), which revealed that Punjab’s jails are incurring an annual energy cost of Rs4.5 billion. However, the cost of transitioning these facilities to solar power is estimated at Rs4.35 billion, making it a financially viable solution for the long term.
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By adopting solar energy, the province aims to reduce the financial burden on the provincial treasury. The transition will be implemented in phases, with an expected 60% reduction in electricity costs once completed. The investment is projected to be recovered within three years, after which the jails will become self-sufficient in energy.
The move is part of a larger initiative to address record increases in utility bills across Punjab. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department emphasized that switching to green energy will offer significant financial relief in the long run. The proposal has been submitted to the provincial cabinet, with a recommendation to allocate Rs2 billion from the current fiscal year’s budget to begin the project.
