KARACHI – The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has unveiled draft regulations proposing significant changes to Pakistan’s solar net metering system. The new rules could reduce payments for surplus electricity, limit system sizes, and shorten contract periods.
The draft Prosumer Regulations, 2025, have been released for public consultation for 30 days. They are expected to replace the net metering rules introduced in 2015. NEPRA says the changes are needed to maintain grid stability amid rapid growth in solar adoption across the country.
Under the proposed framework, consumers will no longer be allowed to install solar systems larger than their approved electricity load. For example, a consumer with a 10-kilowatt approved load would now be limited to a 10-kilowatt solar setup. Current net metering users will continue under their existing seven-year agreements until expiry, while new applicants may face shorter five-year contracts.
One major proposed change is a sharp reduction in rates paid for excess electricity supplied to the grid. Currently, consumers earn around Rs26 per unit for surplus power. Under the new draft, they would be paid the National Average Energy Purchase Price, approximately Rs13 per unit, effectively cutting earnings in half.
The draft rules also introduce local-level caps. Distribution companies would stop accepting new net metering applications once solar generation reaches 80 percent of a transformer’s capacity. Large-scale solar installations of 250 kilowatts or more will require detailed technical studies to ensure grid safety.
According to NEPRA, the total grid-connected solar capacity in Pakistan has now surpassed 6,000 megawatts, while nationwide solar capacity exceeds 13,000 megawatts. The regulator says these measures are necessary to protect grid stability while still allowing consumers to benefit from solar energy.
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Public feedback has been invited before the finalization of the draft, setting the stage for intense debate over the future of solar net metering in Pakistan.
