Relief for Solar Applicants as Thousands Protected Under Old Net Metering Rules

2026-02-19 - 12:43

ISLAMABAD – Sigh of relief for thousands of solar applicants as Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari stepped in to ensure that every net metering application submitted by February 8 will be marked under the old rules. Keeping applicants safe from any disruptive regulatory changes, Electricity distribution companies, including K-Electric, have been ordered to implement these directives immediately, ensuring that thousands of consumers can access net metering facilities without delay. More than 5000 applications have already been filed across all distribution companies, showing combined capacity of 250.822 megawatts, set to be added to the national grid once approved, which is boost for Pakistan’s energy mix. Minister Leghari stressed full transparency in handling all applications, removing uncertainty for applicants and reinforcing consumer rights. Any issues or complaints can be reported directly through the helpline at 118. His decision is landmark step in supporting renewable energy adoption and protecting citizen investments, signaling a brighter, greener future for Pakistan’s energy landscape. Lately, solar power users received major reprieve after National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) rolled out draft amendments to its 2026 net metering policy. The move partially reverses last month’s changes, which had cut buyback rates, shortened contracts, and ended 1-to-1 unit exchange, sparking widespread outrage. The revised framework exempts existing solar users, with over 466,000 prosumers, from new rules until their contracts expire, keeping approvals, licenses, and billing under the old system intact. Power Minister Leghari clarified that new solar consumers will follow the updated policy, aimed at protecting non-solar users from extra costs. Under these amendments, solar users will sell surplus electricity at Rs8.13 per unit while buying it back at rates up to Rs60, effectively ending traditional net metering but safeguarding those already invested. The government’s intervention has brought much-needed clarity and relief to Pakistan’s solar sector. New solar policy, net metering