• ECA claims impact on 600-700 solar panel businesses/20,000 employees, maintenance, energy security, energy costs 
• Says it could affect income of owners and impact their livelihoods  

The Government's recent decision to revise the tariff paid per unit of electricity generated by rooftop solar panels could harm over 600 to 700 active solar panel businesses in Sri Lanka and jeopardise the livelihoods of around 20,000 employees working in this sector, warned the Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA).

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the ECA General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika claimed that the reduction in tariff could result in those who have installed solar panels losing their income, and facing issues in fulfilling the solar panels’ maintenance related requirements. "Many solar panel owners will face difficulties in repaying their bank loans, and in some cases, they will lose their source of income entirely," Dhammika pointed out.

This decision is seen by many as a move aimed at discouraging industrialists, he claimed, alleging that it threatens the loss of approximately 250 megawatts of renewable energy that would otherwise be fed into the national grid every day. "In addition to undermining energy security, this will also create a risk of job insecurity for about 20,000 workers in the solar sector."

Instead of encouraging renewable energy, Dhammika observed that this move could force the Government to rely more on costly emergency electricity purchases. "We also have a doubt if this is part of a plan to increase reliance on natural liquefied gas as an energy source, which could lead to higher electricity prices for consumers in the long run."

When contacted, CEB Chairperson, Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya said: "This matter is handled by the Ministry and the Cabinet as stated in the Electricity Act. CEB implements Govt decisions."

Attempts to contact Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody proved futile. At the time of going to press, The Daily Morning had not received a WhatsApp text message based response from the CEB Chairperson Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya with regard to the concerns raised. 

The Government had decided to revise the tariff paid per unit of electricity generated by rooftop solar panels, with the proposed rates set to vary based on the scale of energy production. A proposal outlining these amendments had been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, following recommendations from the Ceylon Electricity Board. At present, solar energy producers receive Rs. 27 per unit of electricity supplied to the grid. Under the proposed changes, this rate is expected to be reduced, with payments determined by the capacity of the solar system. Accordingly, Rs. 19 per unit will be paid for solar systems generating less than 20 kilowatts (kW), Rs. 17 for systems producing between 20 kW and 100 kW, and Rs. 15 for larger systems generating between 100 kW and 500 kW.