Pakistan introduces solar wheeling policy as net‑metered solar output hits record

The federal government of Pakistan is drafting a Solar Wheeling (Energy Wheeling) Policy that would let consumers generate solar power on rural land and claim energy credits for use in urban locations such as Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. The proposal was outlined after a meeting between business leaders and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with Usman Shaukat, president of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, calling the scheme a “game changer” for industry and household electricity costs.

In April 2026, net‑metered solar generation reached an all‑time high, rising 117 basis points year‑on‑year and 71.2 % month‑on‑month, while overall grid generation fell 9.6 % as consumers shift to self‑generated power. Analysts attribute the surge to falling solar‑panel prices and high grid tariffs, though power distributors warn of revenue impacts. NEPRA projects overall electricity demand to grow modestly by about 1 % in 2026.