ISLAMABAD – Thousands of Pakistani solar consumers are about to face an unwanted situation, as the federal government is preparing to end the popular net metering system and replace it with a controversial gross metering model, slashing solar payback rates by more than 60pc.
Sources familiar with development told Pakistan Observer that Power Division has nearly finalised new solar policy, and after final nod, it will dramatically reshape solar industry. Instead of letting users offset their electricity bills by generating their own power, the government now wants all solar energy to be sold to the national grid at a fixed and much lower rate.
Solar Net Metering Update
The most shocking element of the draft policy is the proposed buyback rate of just Rs11.33 per unit and a massive drop from the current Rs. 27 per unit paid under net metering. While existing users will continue with old rates, any new solar installations will fall under the new system.
That means no more bill savings and just selling power to the grid for a fraction of what it’s worth. Even more concerning, the government plans to peg future solar rates to one-third of the regular electricity tariff, making Rs. 11.33 the baseline a move critics say will kill incentives for clean energy adoption.
For thousands of households and businesses hoping to go solar in 2025, this policy could turn dreams into financial nightmares. Instead of cutting energy bills, new solar users would now be forced to sell all their power to the grid at rate some say barely covers installation costs.
The policy is now awaiting final review by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) before heading to the federal cabinet for approval. If passed, it could take effect within months, leaving solar users scrambling to reassess their plans, and possibly triggering a major slowdown in Pakistan’s solar revolution.
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