The Power Division has submitted a review petition to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) regarding the new solar net metering regulations. This step was taken after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered immediate action to safeguard current solar consumers.
According to sources, the government has requested that the new net billing system should not apply to existing solar users. The petition clearly states that current consumers must continue under the old net metering regulations and their contracts should remain fully protected.
The Power Division also urged NEPRA to maintain the “unit-to-unit” formula for existing users, meaning the electricity they supply to the national grid should continue to be counted equally against their consumption. The government requested that net billing should only apply to new solar users.
Sources confirmed that NEPRA has received the government’s request. The authority will decide on approval and announce a public hearing before making any final decision.
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Earlier, NEPRA had introduced a new net billing system to replace net metering for solar users. Under the previous system, existing solar consumers could sell electricity to the national grid at Rs25 and 32 paisa per unit.
However, under the new regulations, new solar users would receive only Rs8 and 13 paisa per unit, which is Rs17 and 19 paisa lower than before. This sharp reduction raised concerns among solar consumers across the country.
The new net billing system also means that electricity exported by consumers will no longer be equal to the units they consume from the grid. Instead, electricity taken from the grid will be charged according to government tariffs and slabs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure full protection of existing solar users’ agreements. He emphasized that current consumers should not suffer losses due to sudden policy changes.
This review could bring relief to existing solar users. The government wants to protect people who already invested in solar systems. But new users may still face lower rates. This decision will affect future solar adoption and investment in Pakistan.
