Rapid Renewable Energy Plan from June 1st

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana said that a Rapid Renewable Energy Generation plan will be in effect from the 1st of June.

The decision was reached at a meeting at the Ministry of Power and Energy recently.

Noting that the Fuel bill for power generation has exceeded $100 million per month, and the average cost per unit generation has increased to Rs.48/-, the Minister recently proposed quick solutions to the crisis.

– Convert Industries, Government buildings, Hospitals, Hotels, and other roof spaces available for rooftop solar.

The Minister recently said that with tariff rate changes proposed, the current Electricity bill will triple in most of the above Sectors.

“Also, they can invest the current electricity bill amount on solar panels to be paid monthly to the solar companies to lessen the burden on their institutes and also on the Ceylon Electricity Board grid. CEB can manage the hydro and thermal power plants to be used during the night time to reduce generation cost,” he added.

– Provisional approvals to be granted immediately for proposed projects on renewable energy.

“Revise rates to reasonable levels,” said the Minister adding that after approval is issued, it is proposed to work with CEB, SEA, and Investor for transmission line and grid capacity enhancement with the required investment coming from the project investor.

Apart from the two quick steps, large-scale investments for selected renewable projects will be accommodated after technical and financial evaluation, said the Minister.