Industry associations in Punjab have urged the state government and the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) to permit industries to fulfil up to 100 per cent of their electricity needs through solar power, stating that the existing 63 per cent cap is restrictive, especially for energy-intensive sectors operating continuously.
Industrial bodies argued that higher solar adoption would help lower production costs, reduce dependence on the conventional power grid, and support the state’s renewable energy objectives. They also strongly opposed any proposed increase in electricity tariffs, describing it as unjustified at a time when industries are already dealing with multiple operational challenges.
Representatives highlighted that sectors such as steel, where furnaces and rolling mills run round-the-clock, are particularly impacted by the current limitations on solar capacity. They noted that several other states have already allowed industries to install solar systems equivalent to 95–100 per cent of their contract demand.
Gurmeet Singh Kular, president of the Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisations (FICO), said Punjab should align its policy with states like Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, where industries are permitted to install solar capacity up to 95 per cent or more of their sanctioned load. He stressed that similar provisions would significantly benefit industries in Punjab.
Industrialists also raised concerns over frequent power outages, stating that daily disruptions lasting three to four hours are affecting productivity. During such breakdowns, industries are compelled to rely on generator sets, even though grid power remains available but cannot be supplied due to transmission and distribution limitations, highlighting gaps in the existing power infrastructure.