ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power regulator Nepra has scrapped the licensing requirement for solar net metering users with systems up to 25 kilowatt, following a request from Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.
In a notification issued here, Nepra said applications for concurrence will no longer require a license for installations of 25kW or less, while larger systems above 25kW will attract a one-time fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt. The decision takes effect from February 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, the power regulator on Tuesday considered a 27-paisa per unit increase in electricity prices for March under the fuel price adjustment, while declaring revenue-based loadshedding illegal and warning that financial pressures could deepen without structural fixes.
Nepra reserved its decision after a detailed hearing on data presented by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA-G), which cited fuel cost fluctuations behind the proposed hike.
Officials warned that spot RLNG power could cost as high as Rs40 per unit, adding to tariff pressures. Despite relief packages, the agriculture sector cut electricity usage by 51pc signaling resistance to high tariffs. Meanwhile, 2,000MW supply to K-Electric from the national grid helped stabilise the system and contain fuel cost adjustments.
Officials acknowledged load management began in April but offered no clear legal basis for revenue-based outages when pressed. Separately, authorities dismissed speculation about a base tariff hike, saying no increase is expected before January 2027.
