ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved amendments to Pakistan’s net metering regulations, aiming to reduce the financial strain on grid consumers.
Key Changes in the Net Metering Policy
- The buyback rate for excess electricity has been revised from the National Average Power Purchase Price (NAPP) to Rs 10 per unit.
- The policy change follows a sharp increase in solar net-metering consumers, which the government claims is impacting electricity tariffs for non-solar users.
Criticism of the New Policy
Energy expert Dr. Busharat Hasan criticized the amendments on ARY News’ program “Reporters,” arguing that the government’s mismanagement—not net metering—is the real cause of financial losses.
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- He blamed frequent power outages, rising electricity prices, and unreliable supply for pushing people toward solar energy.
- He questioned the government’s decision to build multiple power plants and sign costly long-term contracts, which he believes are adding financial strain.
- He claimed that electricity theft and free electricity for WAPDA employees are the real reasons behind rising electricity costs.
Current Solar Energy Contribution in Pakistan
- Pakistan has 283,000 solar consumers generating around 4,300 MW of electricity.
- Dr. Hasan suggested that solar users invest in batteries to store excess energy instead of relying on net metering.
- He emphasized that solar power is the future and essential for Pakistan’s long-term energy security.
Impact on Solar Consumers
- Existing net metering consumers will not be affected by the new policy.
- The revised regulations will only apply to new solar system users.
The government insists that the policy update is necessary to balance the financial impact on general electricity consumers. However, critics argue that system inefficiencies, not solar users, are to blame for rising costs.
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