ISLAMABAD: The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has urged the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to notify a clear cut-off date for net billing that would apply to net metering applications currently pending with power distribution companies (Discos).
In a letter to the Nepra chairman, KATI said it understands that under the revised framework, existing net metering licence holders will continue to receive compensation for electricity exported to the grid at the national average power purchase price until their licences expire, while new licence holders will be compensated at an energy-only rate.
However, the association warned that the absence of a clearly defined cut-off date has created uncertainty for consumers who installed solar systems and submitted applications in good faith under the previous regulatory regime. It noted that a large number of applications remain pending with Discos and K-Electric and, in many cases, have yet to be forwarded to Nepra for processing.
KATI explained that applications are typically submitted only after solar systems are installed in line with prescribed technical standards, meaning consumers have already made significant capital investments based on the prevailing rules. Delays in inspection, verification and onward submission of applications, it added, are administrative in nature and beyond the control of consumers.
“In all fairness, consumers who have completed installations and submitted applications within the prescribed timeframe should not be penalised due to procedural delays at the utility level,” the association stated.
KATI said a clearly notified cut-off date would ensure uniform treatment across Discos, reduce confusion and provide clarity to consumers, enabling them to make informed decisions—whether to continue under the new framework or adjust system designs, including a shift to hybrid or storage-based solutions.
The association has therefore requested Nepra to formally notify a cut-off date and allow all applications submitted and pending with Discos or K-Electric up to that date—including those not yet forwarded to the regulator—to be accommodated under the net billing framework, with compensation at the national average power purchase price. This, it said, would ensure fair and consistent treatment of consumers nationwide.
