COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says that the new tariff rates will be applied only to New Roof Top Solar Systems."There will be no change of rates for already signed Power Purchasing Agreements & systems in use.", Minister Wijesekara said.Cabinet approval was granted to revise Roof Top Solar Tariff Rates.Two tiers' current tariff rates of Rs 22 & Rs 15.50 will be revised to a flat rate of Rs 37 for less than 500KW & Rs 34.50 for above 500KW RoofTop Solar for 20 years.
Tariffs will be adjusted annually based on a formula, said the MinisterThe Government Information Department said that at present, about 580 megawatts have been added to the national grid through the system of solar power plants installed on roofs.
According to the long-term Generation Expansion Plan prepared by the Electricity Board, it has identified the need to obtain another 1800 MW of electrical capacity through this.
A committee has been appointed to revise the electricity purchase rates from approved solar power plants as an incentive.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Power and Energy to revise the rates in accordance with the recommendation of the said Committee.Writer: Teena Marian .