Net-metering applications filed before Feb 8 will be processed under ‘old policy’

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced that all solar net-metering applications submitted before February 8 will be processed under the previous policy framework, shielding thousands of applicants from the impact of newly introduced regulations.

The decision was taken at a meeting of entities attached to the Power Division, where Power Minister Awais Leghari directed electricity distribution companies, including K-Electric, to grant connections to eligible consumers in accordance with the rules that were in place prior to the recent changes.

According to officials, over 5,000 consumers had applied for net-metered solar connections by the February 8 deadline, representing a cumulative capacity of around 250.8 megawatts. On that date, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) enforced the Prosumer Regulations 2025, replacing the existing net-metering regime with a new “prosumer” model.

Under the revised framework, separate tariffs will apply to electricity bought from and sold to consumers. Power companies will purchase surplus electricity at the National Average Energy Purchase Price, while consumers will continue to pay the prevailing tariff for electricity supplied by utilities. The rules also bar consumers from generating power beyond their sanctioned load and require separate meters for electricity sales and purchases.

NEPRA has stated that the new regulations will apply to all new applicants, while existing net-metering consumers will transition to the updated system once their current agreements expire.

The government’s latest move is seen as an effort to maintain investor confidence in rooftop solar installations while implementing reforms aimed at improving transparency and pricing mechanisms in the power sector.