Fixed access rate of 14 sen/kWh set for eligible CAP developers
Qualifying projects must enter commercial operation by Dec 31, 2028, while green consumers face a separate charge of four sen/kWh.
Renewable energy developers eligible for the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) Acceleration Package (CAP) will have their system access charge (SAC) held at 14 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for 10 years, according to the Energy Commission (EC).
Eligibility depends on projects entering commercial operation by Dec 31, 2028, and satisfying the specified requirements. Participants must accept contracts running for a minimum of 10 years. The EC said predictable access costs were intended to help developers obtain project financing.
For green consumers, electricity consumption will determine a separate four sen/kWh CRESS charge under the prevailing Regulatory Period 4 tariff. That payment does not form part of either the developers’ SAC or project development costs.
The regulator said separate charges account for differences in the work, obligations and risks of developers and consumers. It explained the cost components and allocation arrangements to industry participants, but did not put a figure on possible savings compared with the previous SAC structure.
Approximately three gigawatts of projects are in the CRESS pipeline, the EC said. The scheme uses the existing electricity grid to allow renewable energy developers to supply corporate consumers directly.
The EC is also working on changes to technical requirements, operations, contracts and application procedures. It expects supplementary guideline amendments covering the CAP and associated changes to be published by November to clarify requirements and ease project implementation.
