Net Metering Policy 2026 to Transform Renewable Energy Billing

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 | Web Desk

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has officially introduced a new national net billing system in Pakistan, replacing the previous net metering framework. The Net Metering Regulations 2026 bring significant changes to how consumers with solar panels or other distributed generation will be billed and compensated.

Key Changes:

1. End of “One-for-One” Unit Credit: The previous system of offsetting imported units with exported units on a one-to-one basis has been discontinued.
2. New Billing Mechanism: Consumers will now be billed based on the National Average Energy Price. Electricity purchased from the national grid by net metering consumers will be charged at this rate.
3. Separate Purchase & Sale: Consumers will pay for the units they import from the grid and will receive payment for any excess units they export back to the grid. Payments for exported electricity will be made on a quarterly basis.
4. Standardized Tariff: Electricity supplied to net metering consumers will be charged at the prevailing retail tariff applicable to their consumer category.
5. Contract & Applicability: The net metering agreement duration has been set for an initial 5-year term, renewable for a further 5 years upon expiration. The new regulations also explicitly apply to biogas consumers.

With the implementation of these regulations, the previous Net Metering Regulations 2015 stand suspended. This policy shift aims to create a new structure for integrating distributed renewable energy into the national grid.