• Claims move is part of efforts to meet 70% RE target by 2030

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has introduced a new renewable energy tariff structure aimed at accelerating Sri Lanka’s shift towards clean energy, following Cabinet of Ministers’ approval.

Under the revised scheme, rooftop solar users will now receive Rs. 20.90 per unit for systems up to 5 kW and Rs. 14.46 per unit for larger rooftop setups. The CEB also announced a new buy-back rate of Rs. 45.80 per unit for battery-backed rooftop solar energy exported to the grid during peak hours (6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.).

The CEB has long been criticised for acting as gatekeepers to prevent the diversification of Sri Lanka’s energy market and has seen allegations being made that the State-owned enterprise acts in contradiction to National Policy, creating challenges and hurdles to absorb more renewable energy (RE) like rooftop solar supply. The CEB, whose trade unions are linked to the current Government, has denied the allegations.

According to the CEB, the move comes as part of efforts to meet the national target of 70% renewable energy by 2030. Renewable sources already contribute 54% to Sri Lanka’s grid placing it among the highest in South Asia. Standardised tariffs for other renewable sources were also revised: mini-hydro (Rs. 25.74), wind (Rs. 23.83), ground-mounted solar (Rs. 17.62), floating solar (Rs. 24.33), and municipal solid waste (Rs. 44.04) per unit.

The CEB claimed that the new tariffs reflect falling solar panel costs, lower interest rates, and improved economic conditions, while ensuring fair returns for investors and affordability for consumers.