NEPRA Directs PITC to Clear Pending Net-Metering Connections
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has directed the Power Information Technology Company (PITC) to review and update all pending net-metering connections in electricity distribution companies (Discos) and K-Electric where consumers have completed the required formalities but their applications remain unprocessed.
In a letter to PITC Chief Executive Officer, NEPRA Registrar Waseem Anwar Bhinder referred to the Authority’s earlier directive of July 31, 2026, under which all Discos and K-Electric were instructed to review their records and process pending net-metering cases.
The directive covers consumers who had completed the required formalities before February 9, 2026, including payment of demand notices, physical replacement or reprogramming of meters and execution of Meter Change Orders (MCOs), where applicable, under the NEPRA (Alternative & Renewable Energy) Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations, 2015.
However, NEPRA noted that the issue remains unresolved in several cases. PITC has therefore been instructed to verify its records and update the relevant net-metering connections in its billing system and software without further delay.
The matter has gained importance following the introduction of the Prosumer Regulations 2026 and concerns over the treatment of consumers who had already completed the net-metering process under the previous regulatory framework.
In February, the Power Division approached NEPRA to reconsider the Prosumer Regulations 2026 following directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who called for safeguards for existing solar consumers and protection of their contractual rights.
The Power Division proposed that consumers holding valid net-metering licences as of February 9, 2026, should continue to receive protections and benefits available under the repealed 2015 regulations. It maintained that the new Prosumer Regulations 2026 should apply to new consumers.
The Power Division also requested that, until NEPRA reaches a final decision, distribution companies be allowed to continue operating under the previous net-metering mechanism for consumers holding valid licences as of February 9.
According to the Power Division, consumers without net-metering systems are currently bearing an additional financial burden of around Rs3.5 per unit under the existing arrangement. The government has also raised concerns over the impact of rapid solarisation on the stability and financial sustainability of the national power grid.
Meanwhile, Power Division consultant Syed Faizan Ali has proposed introducing Time-of-Use (ToU) net metering/net billing, including enhanced evening discharge rates of Rs18–22 per kWh between 5pm and 10pm.
The proposal aims to encourage the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and reduce peak-hour electricity procurement costs for system operators. Pakistan’s evening peak electricity demand has reportedly crossed 26,000 MW, increasing the importance of managing peak-hour consumption and integrating distributed renewable energy into the national grid.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
