ISLAMABAD: Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Wednesday withdrew an order that had deprived net-metered solar consumers of credit for electricity exported to the national grid, following widespread criticism and complaints.
According to a statement issued by the Power Division, the minister took notice of the “non-crediting of units of net-metering consumers under PPMC instructions” and ordered an immediate review, resulting in the withdrawal of the directive.
Informed sources said the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) had earlier instructed distribution companies (Discos) and the Power Information Technology Company (PITC) to stop crediting export units of consumers found to have installed solar systems exceeding the permissible limit. Under existing rules, net-metered consumers are allowed to install generation capacity up to 150 per cent of their sanctioned load.
Discos had argued that oversized installations posed risks to grid stability and financial sustainability. However, instead of restricting credit for only the excess units exported beyond the authorised capacity, the directive led to blocking credit for all exported units of affected consumers.
The move triggered strong backlash, particularly in Lahore, where the Lahore Electric Supply Company’s billing cycle coincided with the implementation of the Jan 23 notification. Several influential politicians and businesspersons were also reportedly affected, intensifying public outcry.
Facing criticism for violating the government’s own renewable energy policy without stakeholder consultation or approval from a competent forum, the power minister intervened for damage control. Mr Leghari directed Discos to correct bills already issued in the next billing cycle and to halt issuance of fresh bills under the withdrawn instructions.
The Power Division acknowledged that completely denying credit to such consumers was “not correct” and clarified that, under revised directives, only units exported beyond the approved capacity would not be credited. Electricity exported within the authorised limit will continue to be credited as before.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting consumers’ legitimate rights, directing all Discos to implement the revised instructions immediately and ensure adjustments in upcoming bills where credits were previously withheld.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
