In a significant shift toward energy reform, the Government of Pakistan has implemented major policy updates regarding net metering connections as of May 2025. With the growing popularity of solar power solutions among residential and commercial users, the need to regulate and sustain the national grid has become more pressing. These new adjustments, particularly in tariff rates and technical requirements, aim to balance consumer benefits with the financial sustainability of the power sector.
While solar adoption is rising rapidly, only a small fraction about 5 to 8 percent of users are currently benefiting from net metering. To improve this, the government is focusing on simplifying the application process, increasing public awareness, and enforcing new standards that support a more stable and secure energy infrastructure. These updates are designed to protect both the national grid and the investments of solar users by enabling faster return on investment and improving overall system efficiency.
What Is Net Metering in Pakistan?
Net metering allows individuals with solar power systems to feed excess electricity back into the national grid and earn credits or payments. This not only reduces electricity bills but also promotes renewable energy adoption across the country. It’s a key component of Pakistan’s strategy to shift toward sustainable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Policy Changes – What’s New?
- The buyback rate for surplus electricity supplied to the grid has been reduced from Rs. 27 to Rs. 10 per unit.
- The change aims to ease the financial burden on grid consumers caused by an increase in net-metering users.
- NEPRA will now enforce stricter equipment standards for all new net metering applicants.
- The government has committed to a faster return on investment—ideally within 3–4 years for solar users.
اپنا میٹر اپنی ریڈنگ – Net Metering صارفین کے لیے اہم ہدایت
وزارت توانائی (پاور ڈویژن) حکومتِ پاکستان نے نیٹ میٹرنگ صارفین کے لیے ایک آسان نظام متعارف کروایا ہے جس کے ذریعے وہ خود اپنی میٹر ریڈنگ جمع کروا سکتے ہیں۔
طریقہ کار (Steps):
1. ایپ ڈاؤنلوڈ کریں:
“Power Smart” ایپ گوگل پلے اسٹور یا ایپ اسٹور سے ڈاؤنلوڈ کریں۔
2. ریڈنگ درج کریں:
ہر مہینے کی 1 سے 14 تاریخ کے درمیان اپنے میٹر کی ریڈنگ ایپ میں درج کریں۔
3. میٹر پر Export ریڈنگ دیکھیں:
میٹر پر لکھی گئی “Export kWh” ریڈنگ نوٹ کریں (یہ وہ یونٹس ہیں جو آپ نے نیشنل گرڈ کو واپس بھیجے)۔
4. میٹر پر Import ریڈنگ دیکھیں:
میٹر پر لکھی گئی “Import kWh” ریڈنگ نوٹ کریں (یہ وہ یونٹس ہیں جو آپ نے نیشنل گرڈ سے لیے)۔
5. درست ریڈنگ ایپ میں درج کریں:
دونوں ریڈنگز کو ایپ میں بالکل درست اور واضح انداز میں درج کریں۔
6. وقت پر ریڈنگ جمع کروائیں:
ریڈنگ تاخیر سے جمع کروانے کی صورت میں بل میں مسئلہ ہو سکتا ہے۔
یہ سسٹم شفاف بلنگ، درست حساب، اور صارفین کی سہولت کے لیے متعارف کروایا گیا ہے۔
QR کوڈ اسکین کر کے ایپ ڈاؤنلوڈ کریں اور آج ہی اپنی ریڈنگ خود درج کریں۔
New Technical Requirements by NEPRA
New applicants must now comply with the following technical standards:
- Inverters with grid-interactive features
- Remote monitoring capabilities
- Anti-islanding protection systems to prevent safety hazards and grid instability
Streamlined Application Process
Federal Minister for Energy, Owais Leghari, has pushed for a more transparent and user-friendly application system. Key improvements include:
- Online application forms for new connections
- Training for DISCO staff to handle net metering requests efficiently
- Public awareness campaigns to guide consumers through the process
Why the Buyback Rate Was Reduced
With the dramatic rise in solar system installations, the electricity fed back into the grid started affecting the revenue models of distribution companies. To create a sustainable financial model, the buyback rate has been adjusted, though it remains viable for consumers investing in solar panels, particularly with proper system sizing and energy usage planning.
FAQs
Q1: What is the current buyback rate for net metering in Pakistan?
A: As of May 2025, the rate is Rs. 10 per unit for electricity exported to the grid.
Q2: Is net metering still profitable after the new rates?
A: Yes, especially for households and businesses with optimized solar setups. The government aims for ROI within 3–4 years.
Q3: What new technical requirements must I meet in 2025?
A: You need an inverter with grid interaction, remote monitoring, and anti-islanding protection.
Q4: Can I apply for net metering online?
A: Yes, the application process is now available through online platforms introduced by the government and DISCOs.
Q5: Why did the government reduce the buyback rate?
A: To maintain financial balance for electricity providers and avoid overloading the national grid.
Q6: Who regulates net metering in Pakistan?
A: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) oversees regulations and compliance for net metering systems.
