Islamabad: Solar power users across Pakistan will now have to pay the full electricity unit price after the government introduced major changes to the net-metering system, ending a key benefit previously enjoyed by rooftop solar consumers.
Under the new policy approved by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), the existing net-metering mechanism has been replaced with a net-billing system. This change means that electricity taken from the national grid will be charged at the full retail tariff, while excess solar power sent back to the grid will be purchased at a separate, lower rate.
Earlier, solar users were able to offset the electricity they consumed with the units they generated, effectively reducing their monthly bills. However, the new rules no longer allow one-to-one adjustment of exported and imported units.
What Has Changed
According to the updated regulations, solar consumers will now:
- Pay full electricity tariffs for power drawn from the grid
- Receive a fixed per-unit price for surplus solar electricity supplied to the grid
- Operate under shorter net-metering contracts, with periodic reviews
Officials say the decision was taken to reduce financial pressure on the power sector and ensure fair cost sharing among all electricity consumers.
Mixed Reaction from Stakeholders
Power distribution companies have welcomed the move, saying it will help stabilize the electricity system and control rising costs. However, solar industry experts and consumer groups have expressed concern, warning that the changes may increase electricity bills for solar users and slow down the growth of rooftop solar installations.
Analysts believe the revised policy could extend the payback period for solar systems, especially for households that invested heavily in rooftop panels to reduce energy costs.
What Solar Users Should Do
Existing solar consumers are advised to carefully review their agreements and billing structures. Experts also recommend consulting power distribution companies or solar installers to understand how the new net-billing system will affect monthly electricity bills.
As Pakistan continues to reform its energy sector, the updated net-metering rules mark a major shift in the country’s solar power policy, directly impacting thousands of residential and commercial solar users.
