Nitish Kumar Offers Free 125 Units of Electricity Ahead of Bihar Polls, Promises Solar Push for Poor
Patna: In a major pre-poll move, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced free electricity up to 125 units per household starting August 1, in a bid to ease the burden on families and woo voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
Announcing the decision on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the CM said the new benefit — applicable from the July electricity bill — will cover around 1.67 crore households across the state.
“We have always ensured affordable electricity for all. From August 1, domestic consumers will not have to pay for the first 125 units. This step will benefit lakhs of families and reduce household expenses,” Kumar posted.
हमलोग शुरू से ही सस्ती दरों पर सभी को बिजली उपलब्ध करा रहे हैं। अब हमने तय कर दिया है कि 1 अगस्त, 2025 से यानी जुलाई माह के बिल से ही राज्य के सभी घरेलू उपभोक्ताओं को 125 यूनिट तक बिजली का कोई पैसा नहीं देना पड़ेगा। इससे राज्य के कुल 1 करोड़ 67 लाख परिवारों को लाभ होगा। हमने यह…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 17, 2025
The Chief Minister also unveiled a solar energy initiative, pledging to install solar power plants on rooftops or nearby public land for domestic users over the next three years. Under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, extremely poor families will get solar installations entirely at government expense, while others will receive partial support.
Nitish Kumar said this ambitious solar rollout could add up to 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy to Bihar’s grid in the next three years, boosting self-reliance and sustainability.
This announcement follows another key move by the JD(U) leader — 35% reservation for Bihar-resident women in state government jobs, aimed at consolidating women voters’ support.
Bihar is currently governed by a coalition of the Janata Dal (United) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the latest sops are seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the alliance’s appeal in the upcoming polls.
