{"id":7456,"date":"2025-12-18T07:46:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T07:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsmakers.com.pk\/en\/?p=7456"},"modified":"2025-12-18T08:02:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T08:02:13","slug":"pakistans-net-metering-update-2025-key-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsmakers.com.pk\/en\/pakistan\/pakistans-net-metering-update-2025-key-changes\/7456\/","title":{"rendered":"Pakistan\u2019s Net Metering Update 2025: Key Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thursday, 18 December 2025 | Web Desk<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar power has transformed how Pakistanis generate electricity. The key benefit for homeowners has been net metering<\/strong>\u2014a system allowing you to sell surplus solar energy back to the grid. However, new draft regulations from NEPRA propose significant changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Proposed Changes at a Glance:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Reduced Buyback Rate:<\/strong> The major shift is the proposed payment for excess electricity sent to the grid. It would drop to the National Average Energy Purchase Price (around Rs. 13\/unit)<\/strong>, nearly half the current ~Rs. 26\/unit rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. System Size Cap:<\/strong> New installations will be capped at 100% of your approved electricity load<\/strong>, down from the previous 150% allowance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Shorter Contracts:<\/strong> New contracts would last 5 years<\/strong> (instead of 7), with extensions subject to mutual agreement with your power distribution company (DISCO).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Grid Capacity Limits:<\/strong> DISCOs may halt new applications if local transformer-level solar capacity reaches 80%<\/strong>, citing grid stability.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Important: Current solar net metering users are protected.<\/strong> Existing contracts will continue under old rules until their 7-year term expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why the Change?<\/strong>
    NEPRA states the revisions aim to ensure grid stability and financial sustainability<\/strong>, as rapid solar adoption (over 6,000 MW grid-connected) changes national power dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Classic Net Metering Works:
    A bi-directional meter<\/strong> tracks:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    • Export Units:<\/strong> Surplus solar energy you send to the grid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Import Units:<\/strong> Power you draw from the grid at night or on cloudy days.
      Your bill is calculated on the net<\/strong> difference (Import – Export), leading to major savings or even a zero balance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Basic Requirements for Installation:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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      • A grid-tied or hybrid<\/strong> solar system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • A three-phase meter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • A minimum system size of 3 kW<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Bottom Line:<\/strong>
        Net metering remains a powerful way to slash electricity bills and gain energy independence. However, the proposed 2025 regulations<\/strong> suggest reduced financial returns for new<\/em> future adopters. If you\u2019re considering solar, it\u2019s prudent to finalize plans under the existing, more favorable framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Public feedback on the draft is invited, signaling this is a pivotal moment for solar policy in Pakistan.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n