UP pushes EV adoption with 20% tariff cut during solar hours

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 20 per cent tariff discount for electric vehicle (EV) charging during designated solar hours in a bid to promote green mobility and maximise the use of affordable solar energy across the state.

The concession will be available for public EV charging infrastructure between 9 am and 4 pm, when solar power generation is at its peak. The initiative is aimed at encouraging EV adoption while making greater use of clean energy, the state government said.

Addressing a press conference, Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said the move would reduce charging costs for EV users, promote sustainable transportation and contribute to environmental conservation by increasing the consumption of renewable energy.

The announcement comes as the Yogi Adityanath-led government highlighted its achievements in the power sector, claiming Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a model state in electricity generation and supply.

According to the minister, the state has not increased electricity tariffs for any category of consumers for the seventh consecutive year, keeping power rates among the lowest in the country.

He said the government's objective remains to provide affordable, quality and uninterrupted electricity to all consumers, including households, farmers and industries.

Sharma also said Uttar Pradesh recently met a record peak electricity demand of 32,673 MW, describing it as the highest ever achieved by the state.

Highlighting the state's renewable energy push, he said Uttar Pradesh is rapidly expanding its solar power capacity through large solar parks and rooftop installations under Prime Minister Surya Ghar Yojana.

SOLAR CAPACITY BEING DEVELOPED

Around 4,000 MW of solar capacity is being developed through solar parks, while another 2,500 MW is expected to come from rooftop solar projects under the central scheme.

The minister added that work on thermal power projects in Mirzapur, Meja and other locations was progressing, while the efficiency of existing thermal power plants had improved significantly.

Plant Load Factor (PLF) at older thermal stations has increased from around 65 per cent to nearly 85 per cent, leading to higher power generation.

Sharma credited the state's progress in the power sector to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He said the government would continue to strengthen Uttar Pradesh's energy infrastructure and accelerate its transition towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of power.

- Ends