Metro53 - Islamabad (Web Desk):The government has announced major relief for existing solar consumers by deciding to retain the net metering policy for them. Following the notice taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has formally issued a notification of the amended draft regulations.
According to the notification, the existing mechanism and rates for the purchase and sale of electricity will remain unchanged for consumers already connected to the net metering system. This means that the “unit-for-unit” electricity exchange will continue, and existing users’ agreements will remain valid for their agreed duration. NEPRA has also sought public feedback on the amended draft and fixed a period of 30 days for submitting comments.
It is pertinent to note that NEPRA had issued Solar Regulations 2026 on February 9, introducing certain significant changes related to net metering. These proposed amendments raised concerns among various stakeholders, prompting the Prime Minister to take notice of the matter. Subsequently, the Power Division Pakistan submitted a review petition to NEPRA to exempt existing consumers from the new conditions.
Under the amended draft, the changes introduced for new solar consumers will remain in effect. New connections will be paid approximately Rs 8.13 per unit for electricity supplied to the national grid, which is significantly lower than the previously applicable rates.
Energy experts believe that this decision will help restore the confidence of existing solar consumers, while the revised policy for new users may influence future investment trends. The government maintains that these measures are aimed at maintaining balance in the power sector and managing financial burdens.
Following this development, debate over policy continuity and transparency in the energy sector has once again intensified, while solar consumers continue to closely monitor future government decisions.
