SJKC, SJKT can now apply for surplus energy quotas under govt category

Summary

• Chinese and Tamil-type government-assisted schools with solar panels can now apply for surplus energy quota under the NEM Gomen category.

• Sustainable Energy Development Authority authority members say the schools previously had to compete with the private sector for the quotas.

Chinese and Tamil-type government-assisted schools nationwide with solar panels can now apply for quotas under the government category from the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).

Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and Klang MP V Ganabatirau, both Seda authority members, announced the schools are now eligible under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Government Ministries and Entities (Gomen) group.

“Previously, government-assisted schools were only allowed to apply for quotas under the NEM Nova (net offset virtual aggregation) category.

“This forced the schools to compete with the corporate or private sector for limited quotas, while NEM Gomen had excess quotas,” said Lee.

“Applicants only need to get a confirmation letter from the Education Ministry that states the building is used for educational purposes, and the school will be eligible to apply for quotas under the NEM Gomen category,” he said.

Lee added the move is expected to help Malaysia achieve the government’s renewable energy generation target and net-zero emission by 2050.

NEM is a rate option that allows customers with renewable energy generating systems to receive credits for surplus electricity, which can be applied to offset energy bill costs.

In Malaysia, the NEM scheme was first introduced in November 2016, with a total quota allocation of 500 megawatts (MW) up to 2020.

The NEM 3.0 quota offer period will run until June 30, 2025, or until all 1,950MW are allocated under three categories - NEM Rakyat (450MW), NEM Nova (1,400MW), and NEM Gomen (100MW).

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