Solar industry protests CEB’s forced shutdown of clean energy systems during festive season

Thursday, 10 April 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Solar Industries Association (SIA) has strongly objected to a recent directive by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) mandating the shutdown of solar power systems from 10 to 21 April, a move the industry body says threatens investor confidence and undermines Sri Lanka’s renewable energy ambitions.

In a letter addressed to the CEB Chairman, the SIA criticised the unilateral decision to curtail solar generation during the April festive season, citing concerns over grid stability.

The Association emphasised that such actions, taken without prior consultation or compensation, set a “deeply concerning precedent” for the future of clean energy in the country.

“System owners have made significant investments, often through loans, and rely on uninterrupted generation to meet financial obligations,” the SIA stated. “This sudden curtailment will lead to substantial income losses, affecting both residential and commercial clients.”

As a remedial step, the Association has encouraged affected solar clients to submit formal invoices to the CEB for income losses during the shutdown.

The SIA has called on the utility to honour these claims promptly to avoid further financial strain on system owners and to maintain trust in the sector.

Beyond immediate concerns, the SIA urged the CEB to develop a long-term, technically sound strategy for solar integration, noting that future curtailments must be avoided if Sri Lanka is to meet its national renewable energy goals.

They stressed the need for infrastructure upgrades and transparent policy mechanisms to accommodate the growing share of solar in the energy mix.

The letter ends with a call for constructive dialogue, signalling the industry’s willingness to collaborate with authorities in shaping a more resilient and inclusive energy future.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.