ISLAMABAD SPECIAL REPORTER
The Ministry of Energy has approved major changes to Pakistan’s net metering policy, significantly impacting solar power consumers across the country. According to official sources, the government has reduced the purchase rate of electricity generated by solar users from Rs25.98 per unit to Rs11 per unit.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari and Secretary Energy, along with senior ministry officials. The revised policy will apply to all net metering consumers nationwide.
Sources further revealed that under the new regulations, solar consumers with a load capacity of up to 25 kilowatts will now be required to obtain a license from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Previously, solar installations up to 25 kW were exempt from NEPRA licensing requirements.
The move has sparked strong reactions from solar consumers, who argue that the government initially encouraged the public to install solar systems by offering higher purchase rates. Protesters claim that while electricity tariffs for consumers continue to rise, the government has shifted the financial burden onto net metering users by sharply reducing buyback rates.
Officials from the Ministry of Energy stated that the revised policy was developed after months of consultation with power distribution companies (DISCOs) and NEPRA. The ministry informed the federal government that continuing with the existing policy was no longer viable.
Energy ministry officials maintained that tariff determination falls under NEPRA’s regulatory authority and emphasized that rules and tariffs evolve over time. They added that the overall impact on consumers would be minimal.