Power minister orders old rules for applications filed by Feb 8, ending uncertainty for 250.8 MW capacity awaiting grid integration.
Federal Power Minister Owais Leghari has ordered that all net metering applications submitted by Feb 8 be processed under the previous regulations, clearing uncertainty surrounding 5,165 pending cases across the country.
The decision covers applications filed with all power distribution companies, including K-Electric, and will add 250.822 megawatts of capacity to the national grid once approved. Officials said immediate implementation orders have been issued to all distribution companies to ensure compliance.
The move comes amid growing interest in rooftop solar installations as consumers seek relief from rising electricity tariffs. Pakistan’s installed net metering capacity crossed 2,500 MW in 2025, according to data released by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), reflecting rapid growth over the past three years.
NEPRA’s 2024 State of Industry Report showed distributed solar generation expanded by more than 40% year-on-year, driven by falling global panel prices and high grid tariffs. The regulator has previously revised net metering rules to balance grid stability with consumer incentives, creating uncertainty for applicants during transition periods.
According to the Alternative Energy Development Board, Pakistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% of its generation mix by 2030. Distributed solar under net metering forms a key component of that strategy, especially in urban centers facing peak demand pressures.
Read More: Controversy Surrounds New Net Metering Policy in Pakistan
