ISLAMABAD (MNN); The federal government has approved sweeping changes to Pakistan’s solar energy framework, introducing a new set of rules titled the NEPRA Solar Consumers Regulations 2025.
The revised policy, finalised after months of consultations between the Ministry of Energy, NEPRA and other stakeholders, replaces the existing net metering mechanism with a net billing system for solar power users.
Under the new framework, the contract duration for solar consumers has been reduced from seven years to five years. Instead of receiving a surcharge or credit as under the previous arrangement, consumers will now be able to exchange electricity units.
The net billing rate has been fixed at Rs11 per unit, a significant reduction from the earlier rate of Rs25.98 per unit that solar consumers were receiving under net metering.
The policy further requires all solar consumers with connected loads below 25 kilowatts to obtain a licence from NEPRA. Previously, residential, commercial and industrial users with capacities up to 25 kilowatts were exempt from licensing.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy said the new policy aims to improve the management of solar systems and enhance transparency within the power sector. The spokesperson added that NEPRA would continue to determine solar tariffs, which could be revised periodically, and stressed that the changes are not expected to place a major financial burden on consumers.
NEPRA officials confirmed that the net billing system would now be implemented nationwide, marking a clear departure from the traditional net metering model.
The Ministry of Energy said the updated regulations are essential for effective administration of solar installations across the country. Sources added that the new framework is expected to streamline solar energy usage in Pakistan while offering consumers a more regulated, transparent and simplified billing structure.
