3yrs jail for solar power theft

The government has issued the Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance, 2026, imposing prison terms and fines for solar power theft, equipment damage and illegal connections to promote solar energy and attract private investment.

Under the ordinance, stealing solar power or equipment carries up to three years in prison, a fine of Tk 50,000, or both. Damaging equipment is punishable by up to five years in jail, a fine of Tk 5 lakh, or both.

The ordinance was issued on Monday night by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, following Cabinet approval of its draft on Sunday at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani said solar power had become increasingly important amid the ongoing energy crisis.

“The impact of the war has shown how vulnerable Bangladesh could become in the energy sector when a war breaks out. For this reason, the government has placed additional emphasis on solar power,” he told reporters after the meeting.

The ordinance allows solar systems of up to five megawatts on government buildings, residential rooftops, courtyards, adjacent vacant land and water bodies.

 It also covers solar-powered irrigation pumps, cold storage facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, tea gardens, floating solar installations and agrivoltaic systems combining solar generation with farming. Large-scale ground-mounted projects are excluded.

Two investment models have been introduced: operational expenditure (OPEX), under which investors bear installation costs, and capital expenditure (CAPEX), under which customer organisations finance projects and retain ownership.

A tripartite agreement among customers, service providers and the competent authority will govern equipment quality, safety, maintenance, electricity distribution, payments, ownership and dispute resolution.

Under net metering, customers can supply surplus electricity to the national grid and have it adjusted against their bills. They may also receive payments at government-determined tariffs.

For goods and related services under the CAPEX model, the ordinance sets a Tk 5 crore ceiling for limited tendering without making the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system mandatory.

It also provides for a National Policy Council and technical and coordination committees at district and upazila levels to guide policy and promote solar energy.

Sections 12 to 16 prescribe penalties for theft, equipment damage, illegal connections, obstruction of installation, inspection and maintenance, and aiding or abetting offences. Buying, selling or possessing stolen solar equipment carries the same penalties as theft.

Illegal connections and obstruction of work carry up to three years in prison, a fine of Tk 5 lakh, or both.

First-class magistrates or metropolitan magistrates will try offences under the ordinance. Cases listed in the schedule of the Mobile Court Act may also be tried by mobile courts. �"UNB