Pakistan’s power sector regulator, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), has formally decided to retain the net metering policy for existing solar consumers, providing major relief to current rooftop solar users across the country.
In a notification issued on February 16, 2026, NEPRA announced amendments to the Net Metering Regulations, clarifying that existing solar consumers will not be affected by the newly introduced rules. All current net metering agreements will remain valid until the completion of their contractual term.
NEPRA has also invited public feedback on the amended draft regulations within 30 days, stating that the amendments will be deemed effective from February 9, 2026.
Also Read: Existing solar users to retain net metering benefits
New Rules to Apply Only to New Solar Consumers
According to NEPRA officials, the revised regulations will apply exclusively to new solar consumers. Under the Regulations 2026, excess electricity generated by new solar users will be purchased at Rs11 per unit, and the contract duration has been reduced from seven years to five years.
Earlier this month, NEPRA had issued a notification replacing the net metering system with a net billing mechanism, triggering widespread concern among solar consumers and industry stakeholders.
Prime Minister’s Intervention Leads to Policy Review
The decision to protect existing consumers follows the Prime Minister’s intervention, who took notice of the proposed shift from net metering to net billing and directed the Power Division to file a review petition.
Acting on the government’s request, NEPRA amended the rules, ensuring that old prosumers will continue to be billed under their existing agreements, while new applicants will fall under the revised framework.
Industry Impact
Energy experts say the move restores confidence among existing solar users while allowing the government to gradually transition toward a new billing model without retroactively impacting investments already made by households and businesses.
