ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s electricity regulator has ended months of uncertainty for rooftop solar investors, allowing all net metering applications submitted up to February 8, 2026, to be processed under the previous, more generous rules.
The move could add over 250 megawatts of clean energy to the national grid and provides relief to more than 5,000 pending applicants, who will benefit from seven-year net metering contracts.
However, those connections application after February 8, the households, businesses and small industries generating up to 1 megawatt must sell surplus electricity to utilities at the national average purchase price while buying power at standard consumer tariffs, reducing long-term returns for future solar users.
Nepra directed all distribution companies, including K-Electric, to honor applications submitted before the February 8 cutoff under the old framework. Once approved, these projects are expected to supply 250.822 MW to the national grid, giving a boost to Pakistan’s rooftop solar sector.
New regulations also impose stricter technical and financial responsibilities on future prosumers. Systems above 250 kW must undergo mandatory load flow studies, and new connections are blocked if distribution transformers reach 80pc capacity. Consumers must cover all interconnection costs, including meters and grid upgrades, and pay a non-refundable Rs1,000 per kilowatt concurrence fee. Nepra retains oversight powers, including the right to revise rates, issue binding directives, and impose penalties.
