Power grid at risk again?
2026-02-09 - 09:58
The solar power sector has reportedly collapsed, amid warnings that electricity generated from solar power cannot be properly stored due to the failure to upgrade the power grid for several years. Electrical engineers had flagged the requirement long ago, and plans had even received approval to install a battery energy storage system for this purpose. However, the matter has been repeatedly neglected, reports say. Internal sources at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) further claim that the present government has also failed during the past year to call tenders for the installation of the relevant battery system. Safety relay still not updated Meanwhile, it is reported that although the CEB System Controller had formally informed around 02 weeks after Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody assumed duties, that the safety relay system required to maintain grid stability had not been updated, no action has been taken so far. Engineers allege that, as a result, authorities have for months resorted to disconnecting electricity generated by rooftop solar panels and small hydropower plants from the grid as a stopgap measure. However, suppliers generating electricity through solar installations have now reportedly filed legal action, arguing that disconnecting them after pledging to purchase power generation, is unlawful. Meanwhile, it is also claimed that the CEB has suspended granting fresh approvals for rooftop solar systems. During the tenure of former Power and Energy Minister – Kanchana Wijesekera, nearly 1,000 companies were engaged in solar power generation. However, that number has now reportedly fallen to between 50 – 80. 60,000 jobs lost It’s further said that around 60,000 technically skilled workers in the solar industry have already lost their jobs. New electricity Act could flatten renewable sector According to the co-convener of the Renewable Energy Protection Front (Punanrjananeeya Balashakthiya Surekeeme Peramuna) – Sanka Chandima, an energy policy should be formulated before introducing an electricity policy. He also claims that no responsible authority within the government appears to have a clear position on the matter. He further alleged that, without proper consideration of an overarching energy policy, the current electricity policy has been drafted by CEB Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, warning that if it is implemented, the renewable energy industry would effectively be wiped out. The Renewable Energy Protection Front had also recently submitted the memorandum to the President regarding this crisis. Peoples letter Renuwable energy protection protestDownload Related News: Renewable power producers face loan repayment crisis Govt. accused of jeopardizing 100,000 solar panel users Free solar panels for 25,000 low-income households