- ECA seeks PUCSL intervention to restore Net Metering, Net Accounting
- SLSEA Chair rejects claims of inaction
The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) is pursuing a ‘silent’ policy on measures by the Energy Ministry and electricity licensees that are harming the rooftop solar sector, the Electricity Consumers’ Association (ECA) has alleged, questioning the Authority’s failure to intervene despite its statutory responsibility to promote sustainable and renewable energy.
In a letter sent to the SLSEA Chairperson and Director General (DG) yesterday (30), ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said the Authority was failing to discharge its responsibilities under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024 and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Act, No. 35 of 2007.
He said the Association opposed the Authority’s silence as the Ministry and licensees carried out what it described as unlawful actions affecting rooftop solar users.
“The Ministry Secretary has issued written instructions to stop using the existing Net Metering and Net Accounting schemes for rooftop solar systems and to use only the Net Plus scheme. The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is the authority responsible for deciding electricity tariff methods and licence conditions under the Electricity Act. As the main institution responsible for renewable energy development, why has the SLSEA failed to take an independent stand against this unlawful order and present the scientific facts to the regulator?” Dhammika questioned.
He also questioned the SLSEA’s response to the national target of generating 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
“The people have already invested their own money to add close to 2,500 megawatts of solar power capacity to the national grid. Imposing restrictions could make solar investments unprofitable and damage the local solar industry. Why does the SLSEA remain silent to fulfil the interests of the diesel and thermal power plant mafia by allowing solar investments to become completely loss-making and the local industry to be destroyed in this way?” he asked.
The ECA called on the SLSEA to immediately publish its official technical and legal position on the Ministry Secretary’s letter concerning the Net Plus scheme. It also urged the Authority to write to the PUCSL seeking the restoration of Net Metering and Net Accounting and changes to what it described as an unfair tariff structure under Net Plus.
“If the Authority fails to act, we will consider filing a writ petition against the Chairperson, the DG and the Board of Directors over the failure to carry out the statutory duties given to them,” Dhammika warned.
However, when contacted by The Daily Morning, SLSEA Chairperson Dr. Wijendra J. Bandara rejected the allegation that the Authority was remaining silent on actions that harm renewable energy development.
“That is not true. As the Authority, we have always worked to promote renewable and sustainable energy. Those who work with us know it. I myself have written hundreds of newspaper articles, and all of them have been on promoting renewable and sustainable energy. I don’t know why they are making this allegation,” he said.