Problems for solar consumers in Pakistan continue as power distribution companies reportedly removed millions of exported electricity units from billing records. Despite producing surplus power, many users did not get credit for the units they sent to the grid.
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Sources said that for net metering consumers, exported units were ignored and bills were generated by charging all consumed electricity instead. This resulted in unusually high bills even during the winter season.
Solar consumers expressed frustration after receiving heavy electricity bills in cold weather, a time when solar generation is already lower. Many users said the situation has caused financial stress and confusion.
Sources further claimed that distribution companies are using the new net metering policy to hide line losses. Continuous changes in policy are discouraging solar consumers, as surplus electricity beyond approved limits is no longer added to bills.
It was also revealed that for the past two months, distribution companies have stopped issuing new net metering connections and contracts. Thousands of consumers, despite completing agreements and paying demand notices, are still waiting for net meters.
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According to sources, exported solar units were not included in electricity bills issued this month either.
At the end of last year, the federal government introduced changes to the net metering policy for all solar consumers. These changes were later named NEPRA Solar Consumer Rules 2025.