NEPRA says off-grid solar users do not need licence

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) said on Saturday that solar users not connected to the national grid do not require a licence, clarifying regulatory changes amid growing adoption of rooftop solar systems.

The power regulator said in a statement that off-grid solar consumers fall outside its regulatory framework and no proposal is under consideration to bring them under licensing requirements.

“NEPRA regulations do not apply to off-grid solar users,” the regulator said, adding that the rules are only applicable to consumers connected to the national grid under net metering or net billing arrangements.

Under new regulations, NEPRA has introduced net billing for new solar consumers connected to the grid, while requiring all such users to obtain licences from the regulator.

Previously, only consumers with loads above 25 kilowatts were required to obtain licences from NEPRA. However, under the revised framework, licences will also be issued for systems with loads of 25 kilowatts or below.

The regulator said a fee of 1,000 rupees per kilowatt would be charged for issuing licences.

Earlier, solar users with loads of up to 25 kilowatts were required to seek approval from their respective distribution companies, with no licensing fee applied.

The clarification comes as Pakistan sees a rise in solar adoption driven by high electricity costs and frequent power shortages.