Khaberni - The Energy and Mineral Resources Parliamentary Committee, chaired by MP Dr. Ayman Abu Haneen, discussed in a meeting held today, Wednesday, the organization of solar zeroing mechanisms and the requirements for licensing solar energy systems, attended by the head of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Ziad Al-Sa'aydeh.
Abu Haneen said that the committee discussed the issue of zeroing electricity meters for users of solar energy systems in light of complaints and objections received from citizens, pointing out that the decision is regulatory and has direct economic and technical impacts on users, especially since the move to solar energy came to alleviate financial burdens while maintaining the efficiency and stability of the electrical network.
He referred to the issue of some electric vehicle charging stations, especially in the north of the kingdom, not adhering to the official tariff, while at the same time appreciating the regulatory and oversight measures taken by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission to preserve fair competition.
He also touched on questions and observations regarding the mechanisms of balancing credits in the operation of the system, calling for a reconsideration of the regulations governing the management of the electrical system in some areas, and to ensure inclusive and clear participatory decisions that take into account social and economic dimensions.
MPs, Jamal Qamoha, Wissam al-Rabihat, Khader Bani Khalid, Naseem Al-Abadi, and Rakin Abu Haneen, demanded a review of the zeroing mechanisms, organizing the calculation of the surplus, addressing non-compliance by some companies with the guiding manual, in addition to revising the electric tariffs for some categories of solar energy users, and finding practical solutions that contribute to reducing electricity bill costs in a way that is tangible to citizens.
The committee also called for a reconsideration of the instructions governing the use of solar energy, especially for schools and health centers, by adopting a zero-export system instead of full energy sale, and addressing the pricing resulting from selling electricity at a low price and buying it at a higher price, which contributes to reducing operating costs.
The committee emphasized the need to study the connection of electricity meters to homes that face regulatory obstacles by the Ministry of Local Administration and Municipalities and the Amman Municipality, and to benefit from digital transformation to address the mandatory registration of meters under the name of the property user whether an owner or renter.
On his part, Al-Sa'aydeh clarified that subscribers to solar energy systems before June 1, 2024, are subject to the provisions of the new system, explaining that the previous system allowed the rolling over of up to 10% of the average annual consumption for the last 12 months to the following year after the end of the third year, whereas in the current system, the balance is rolled to the next month only.
He pointed out that extending the period for rolling over the generated amounts implies financial obligations on distribution companies, but the subscriber can benefit from the quantity either as energy or as a cash equivalent of 12 piasters per kilowatt.
He indicated that solar energy currently represents about 27% of the total energy mix in the kingdom, up from just 1% in 2014, emphasizing that solar energy systems were originally established for consumption purposes, not for storage, although the authority has provided the storage option for citizens, subject to obtaining necessary approvals, explaining that storage in the new system occurs through two paths; either via a system not connected to the electrical network, or through an independent storage system.
