By The Pulseline News Desk
The Government has allocated Rs. 26.5 billion to strengthen the security and reliability of Sri Lanka’s electricity grid, with plans to expand battery storage, provide incentives for rooftop solar users and introduce smart meters for hundreds of thousands of consumers.
Presenting the 2027 Budget in Parliament today (12), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced several measures aimed at addressing challenges in the power sector while supporting the country’s transition towards renewable energy.
A key component of the programme is the introduction of subsidies for battery storage systems installed by rooftop solar power users, aimed at encouraging households and businesses to store excess electricity generated through solar panels.
The Government also plans to remove the 10% Port and Airport Development Levy (PAL) imposed on imported solar batteries, reducing the tax burden on battery storage equipment and potentially lowering installation costs.
In another major investment in grid stability, a 30-megawatt battery energy storage system will be installed at the Norochcholai Power Plant.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the electricity network’s ability to manage fluctuations in power generation, particularly as the share of intermittent renewable energy sources increases.
The Budget also includes plans to distribute smart electricity meters free of charge to 300,000 consumers using more than 180 units of electricity.
In addition, all consumers of the Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) using more than 120 units will be provided with smart meters.
The introduction of smart meters is expected to improve electricity consumption monitoring, facilitate more efficient billing and provide better information for managing demand across the electricity network.
The measures come as Sri Lanka seeks to expand renewable energy generation while addressing grid stability and electricity supply challenges associated with the growing contribution of solar and other intermittent energy sources.
The Government’s plans combine investment in grid infrastructure with incentives for household-level energy storage and the modernisation of electricity distribution systems.
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