CRESS explained: buying green electricity through the grid

What the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme is, what changed in September 2026, and who it suits.

Some businesses use far more electricity than their own roof could ever generate. The Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) is designed for them. It lets a company buy renewable electricity from a developer's plant somewhere else in Peninsular Malaysia, delivered over the existing grid.

How it works

1. A renewable energy developer builds a plant, usually a solar farm, often with battery storage.
2. A green consumer, the business buying the power, signs a supply agreement with the developer.
3. The electricity travels over the national grid. For that, a System Access Charge is paid for each unit delivered.

CRESS was introduced in September 2024. Since the guidelines were revised in 2025, all new and existing electricity customers in Peninsular Malaysia can take part, and a consumer can buy from more than one developer.

What changed in September 2026

On 18 September 2026 the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation announced a lower charge for firm supply, meaning renewable power backed by storage so it can be delivered reliably.

To qualify for the 14 sen rate, the supply contract must run for at least 10 years and the project must start commercial operation by 31 December 2028. Since 2024, 11 developers and eight consumers have registered, covering about 3,148 MW of projects.

Who it suits

• Large electricity users such as data centres, heavy manufacturers and multi-site groups.
• Businesses with firm renewable energy commitments to customers or investors.
• Companies willing to sign a long-term supply contract.