15/10/2026
Higher Access Charges, but Renewable Energy Demand Remains Resilient ☀️🔋
Malaysia’s decision to raise the effective System Access Charge (SAC) under the CRESS Acceleration Package from 14 sen to 18 sen/kWh has sparked market concerns and prompted a sell-off in renewable energy stocks. However, the adjustment is unlikely to derail the scheme’s long-term growth prospects.
🔎 Key implications:
▪️ Renewable energy remains cost-competitive: Despite the higher SAC, CRESS electricity can still be cheaper than conventional grid power, particularly for ultra-high-voltage consumers such as data centres.
▪️ Limited direct impact on developers: As the additional 4 sen/kWh is borne by green electricity consumers, and charged separately from the negotiated electricity rate, the immediate financial impact on renewable energy developers may be limited.
▪️ Demand fundamentals remain strong: Data centres and other corporates continue to pursue renewable energy to meet their sustainability commitments, supporting long-term demand for green electricity.
▪️ Policy certainty remains crucial: While the revised charge may narrow some near-term opportunities, predictable regulations and transparent cost structures are essential to maintaining investor confidence and project bankability.
▪️ Significant growth opportunities ahead: With strong corporate demand and an expanding project pipeline, CRESS remains a key mechanism for accelerating Malaysia’s renewable energy transition.
💡 The takeaway: While the SAC increase introduces additional cost considerations for corporate off-takers, it does not necessarily undermine the long-term attractiveness of CRESS. The continued drive for decarbonisation, coupled with growing electricity demand from data centres and other industries, presents meaningful opportunities for renewable energy developers, investors and corporate green energy buyers.
Share with us your views on the revised charges.
At NEFIN, we remain focused on helping businesses navigate the evolving renewable energy landscape and achieve their decarbonisation goals through customised clean energy solutions.
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📰: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2026/10/15/cress-viability-intact
The higher access charge under the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (Cress) Acceleration Package – which triggered a sell-off in renewable energy (RE) stocks yesterday – is unlikely to derail the scheme's prospects, as electricity supplied under it remains cheaper for ultra-high-voltage ...