New Solar Net Metering Policy 2025 in Pakistan – Simple Explanation for Users
The Government of Pakistan has decided to update the solar net metering policy for all solar users across the country. This new policy was introduced by NEPRA, which is now ku7m68nown as the NEPRA Solar Consumers Law 2025.
After so many discussions with different stakeholders, like energy experts and power companies, this decision was made by the Ministry of Energy. The new system will affect home users, businesses and factories that use solar power. Let’s understand these changes in a way!
Net Metering Is Being Replaced by Net Billing
The main changes are that the old net metering system is being ended, and a new system called net billing is now being introduced
What was net metering?
- Extra solar electricity was sent to the grid
- You could use the same number of units later
- Units were adjusted one-to-one
What is it?
- Extra solar electricity is sold to the grid
- You get paid a fixed price per unit
- Electricity you can use from the grid is charged normally
This means unit adjustment will not happen anymore.
Comparison Table Old vs New System
|
Feature |
Old Net Metering |
New Net Billing |
|---|---|---|
|
System type |
Unit to unit adjustment |
Fixed unit price |
|
Buyback rate |
PKR 25.98 per unit |
PKR 11.13 per unit |
|
Contract duration |
7 years |
5 years |
|
Surcharge system |
Extra system applied |
Unit-based system |
|
Licence below 25 KW |
Not required |
Required |
Big Drop in Per-Unit Solar Price
This change will have a major effect on the users.
Old system:
- Solar users earned PKR 25.98 per unit.
New System:
- Solar users will earn PKR 11.13 per unit
This is almost half of the previous rate because of this
- Monthly savings will be lower
- Investment recovery will take more time.
- Many users may think twice before installing solar
Solar Agreement Duration Reduced
Another important change is the contract duration.
- The earlier agreement period was 7 years
- The new agreement period is 5 years
After every 5 years, the agreement must be renewed, and new rate terms may apply. This change makes long-term planning harder for solar users.
No Extra Surcharge, But Still Less Benefit
Earlier, some solar users had to pay extra surcharges.
Now:
- Extra surcharge is removed
- Instead, unit-based adjustment is applied
This looks positive, but because the unit price is very low, the overall benefit is still reduced.
NEPRA license an important change
Earlier:
- Users with this system up to 25 KW didn’t need a NEPRA license.
- This rule applies to homes, small shops and small businesses.
Now:
Now, all users with systems below 25 kW are required to get a NEPRA license.
This means:
- More paperwork
- Possible extra costs
- More time for approval
This rule mostly affects home solar users.
How This Policy May Affect Solar Users
Possible negative effects:
- Lower monthly savings
- It will take longer to see profits from your investment
- Slower growth of rooftop buyers
Governments view:
- The power system will be more balanced
- The grid pressure will be reduced
- Circular debit can be controlled
- The electricity system will be more stable.
Some Important Points in New Solar Net Metering Policy
- Net metering is replaced by net billing
- Solar unit price reduced to PKR 11.13
- Contract duration reduced to 5 years
- NEPRA license now required below 25 kW
- Extra surcharge removed, but benefit still lower
FAQs
Final Words
The NEPRA solar Consumers Law 2025 makes major changes for solar users in Pakistan. The government wants to make the electricity system better, but many solar users might feel disappointed because of lower rates and new rules.
