Renewable energy group seeks stable CRESS charges and faster approvals
Eligible developers can receive a fixed System Access Charge of 14 sen/kWh for 10 years if their projects begin commercial operation by Dec 31, 2028.
The Malaysian Photovoltaic and Sustainable Energy Industry Association (MPSEA) has called for quicker approvals and clearer implementation guidance following changes to CRESS charges, saying developers need certainty to deliver projects within the package’s deadline.
The association welcomed the CRESS Acceleration Package (CAP), but said it hoped the revised charging framework would be the last. The scheme’s charging structure has now changed three times since its launch in July 2024.
For firm renewable electricity supply, the government has lowered the System Access Charge (SAC) to 18 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from 20 sen, a 10% reduction. An earlier adjustment had brought the charge down from 25 sen to 20 sen.
Under CAP, developers qualifying for the fixed 14 sen/kWh SAC must bring their projects into commercial operation by Dec 31, 2028. That charge will apply for 10 years. A separate four sen/kWh tariff component covers costs associated with green consumers and remains subject to tariff revisions.
MPSEA said the package makes tariffs more transparent and gives greater certainty for project financing. It urged cooperation among developers, green consumers, the government and regulators, and said success should be judged by financing secured, projects completed and renewable electricity delivered, rather than application numbers.
CRESS enables renewable energy developers to supply industrial customers directly using the national grid. The SAC pays for access to that system.
