ISLAMABAD – A new solar energy policy is set to be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon, proposing significant changes to the current net metering system.
Reports said the Power Division has finalized a new buyback rate of Rs11.33 per unit for electricity returned to the national grid by solar panel users.
The policy aims to replace the existing net metering framework with a gross metering system. Under the new mechanism, solar users will sell all generated electricity at a fixed rate while purchasing electricity for their own use separately, unlike the current system where energy generation is offset against consumption.
The Power Division reports that net metering has imposed a financial burden of Rs103 billion on the national power system.
In response, the proposed gross metering model will introduce a new pricing formula, setting the solar electricity buyback rate at one-third of the prevailing consumer tariff in the future.
Electricity Buyback Rate for 2025
The Power Division has decided to fix the new buyback rate at Rs11.33 per unit for the new users. However, existing solar users will continue to receive Rs. 27 per unit under the net metering arrangement, ensuring no immediate impact on current investments.
The government has set an ambitious target of integrating 8,500 megawatts of solar power into the national grid. The new policy will be submitted to NEPRA for approval before being tabled in the federal cabinet.
Previously, reports emerged indicating resistance from investors over the proposed reduction in net metering rates.
The new policy appears to strike a balance between encouraging solar adoption and reducing financial stress on the power sector.
