The Ministry of Energy has directed Electricity Distribution Lanka (Pvt) Ltd to discontinue the Net Metering and Net Accounting schemes for new rooftop solar connections and extensions of existing agreements, requiring them to operate exclusively under the Net Plus scheme.
The directive is contained in a letter dated September 11, 2026, signed by Acting Energy Ministry Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu and addressed to the chairman and CEO of Electricity Distribution Lanka.
SJB MP Ajith P. Perera, shared the document on social media, expressing concern over the decision to discontinue two of the three rooftop solar schemes introduced under the Soorya Bala Sangramaya program on September 6, 2016.
According to the letter, the National Electricity Policy, approved by the Cabinet and published in a gazette on March 5, 2026, requires all new agreements for on-grid rooftop solar photovoltaic systems to operate under the Net Plus scheme.
The ministry has issued the following directions:
* All new rooftop solar agreements entered into on or after March 5, 2026, must operate under Net Plus.
* Extensions of existing agreements must also transition to Net Plus.
* Net Metering and Net Accounting will no longer be offered for new connections or extensions.
* Existing agreements will remain valid under their current terms until they expire.
* New agreements and extensions must not exceed 12 years.
* Rooftop solar installations must be equipped with smart meters capable of remote access by the electricity distribution licensee.
However, the ministry has provided transitional arrangements for applications already being processed.
The letter states that the new requirements will apply to grid clearances granted after September 11, 2026. Agreements concluded or grid clearances granted on or before that date will not be reopened.
The ministry has also clarified that the feed-in tariff rates declared by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will remain unchanged.
The directive marks a change in the framework governing rooftop solar installations, with Net Plus becoming the sole commercial connection scheme available for new agreements.
Under Net Metering, consumers can offset electricity imported from the grid against electricity exported by their solar systems. Net Accounting provides a mechanism for compensating consumers for surplus electricity, while Net Plus separately accounts for electricity generated and electricity consumed.
The decision means new rooftop solar customers will no longer have the option of selecting between the three schemes previously available.
The letter also instructs Electricity Distribution Lanka to refer any questions raised by the Public Utilities Commission regarding compliance with its tariff decision to the Ministry of Energy and not to alter the directive without the ministry’s written concurrence. (Newswire)
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