Pakistan expedites pending rooftop solar net-metering connections

Pakistan's Power Division has moved to expedite thousands of pending rooftop solar connections to protect users who qualify for benefits under the previous net-metering regime. This action follows a policy overhaul in February that replaced the decade-old net-metering framework with a net-billing system for new consumers. Under the new system, the value of electricity sold back to the grid is significantly reduced, making self-consumption more economically advantageous than exporting surplus power.

The government's directive specifically targets connections that remained pending despite consumers having paid demand notices, received licenses, or completed meter replacements and connection orders prior to the February 9 cutoff. To ensure eligibility, the Power Division has instructed all power distribution companies (DISCOs) and the Pakistan Information Technology Company (PITC) to conduct thorough verifications of these pending applications.

As part of this process, the PITC has been tasked with reviewing billing systems and software to ensure that all eligible connections are promptly updated in the system. The initiative aims to protect consumer rights and ensure that those who fulfilled requirements before the regulatory shift do not face procedural delays or obstacles.