The Power Division has dispelled rumours regarding the termination of Pakistan's solar net metering policy, despite a surge in speculation fueled by recent reports.
Concerns about fixed charges on solar net metering and potential regulatory amendments have stirred significant public debate.
Amidst widespread reports claiming the end of solar net metering, the Power Division issued a statement categorically denying such claims, asserting that no directives have been issued to halt the net metering policy.
The clarification came in response to a digital publication's report citing a document that purportedly contained special instructions on net metering tariff rationalization and amendments to the Net Metering Regulations.
Contrary to these denials, the report alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered an end to solar net metering in Pakistan, alongside the imposition of fixed charges on households installing solar systems.
Sources indicated that the PML-N-led coalition government is considering dual rates for the purchase and sale of solar-powered electricity, with proposed fixed charges to be collected monthly from solar consumers.
Further compounding public anxiety, Energy Minister Awais Leghari dismissed rumors on May 20, 2024, regarding the abolition of solar net metering, reaffirming its importance to the current administration.
Leghari's remarks aimed to quell fears, yet speculations persist about the introduction of gross metering as a replacement for net metering.
In a related development, the government has approved the establishment of a 600 MW solar power plant in collaboration with Saudi investors.
Prime Minister Sharif has prioritised the submission of a summary outlining both the solar plant project and the proposed changes to the net metering policy. Should these proposals receive approval, the new regulations on solar net metering are expected to be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.
