Public invited to comment on draft Net Metering Regulation

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has invited public comments on the draft Net Metering Regulation 2026, a proposed framework designed to encourage greater adoption of renewable energy by allowing consumers to generate their own electricity and feed surplus power into the national grid.

The ministry said the draft regulation, formulated under Section 76(a) of the Maldives Energy Act (Law No. 18/2021), will establish the rules governing net metering and the approval process for consumers wishing to install renewable energy systems. It also sets out the rights and responsibilities of both electricity consumers and licensed service providers.

The proposed regulation is aimed at making it easier for households and businesses to generate all or part of their electricity from renewable sources, helping reduce electricity bills while expanding the use of clean energy across the country. It also seeks to reduce the Maldives' reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, increase the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid and lower the operational and maintenance costs associated with power generation.

In addition, the ministry said the regulation is expected to reduce the need for costly investments in expanding electricity generation and distribution infrastructure as demand for power continues to grow. By enabling more consumers to produce their own electricity, the proposal aims to ease pressure on utility providers while ensuring the safety, reliability and security of the national grid.

The draft regulation was published on 13 July 2026, and members of the public, industry stakeholders and other interested parties have until 30 July 2026 to submit their comments through the ministry's official response form. Feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed before the regulation is finalised.