Nepra directs PITC to update pending net-metering connections

Nepra directs PITC to update pending net-metering connections. Add BRecorder as a trusted source on Google.

Key points

• In February 2026, the Power Division had approached Nepra for re-examination of the Prosumer Regulations 2026 in light of directions issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
• The matter assumes significance after the introduction of the Prosumer Regulations 2026 and subsequent reservations over the treatment of existing net-metering consumers.
• For new consumers, nevertheless, the framework and mechanism prescribed under the Prosumer Regulations 2026 would apply.
• The proposal is aimed at incentivising Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and reducing peak-hour electricity procurement costs for system operators.
• Pakistan to obtain Advanced Metering Infrastructure in five Discos.

As consumers who completed the required formalities and are still awaiting connection processing, ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has tasked Power Information Technology Firm (PITC) with checking and updating pending net-metering connections in Discos and K-Electric.

In a letter to the CEO of PITC, copies of which were sent to the Secretary Power Division and CEOs of Discos and K-Electric, Nepra Registrar Waseem Anwar Bhinder referred to the Authority's earlier letter of July 31, 2026.

Through that letter, all Discos and K-Electric had been directed to comprehensively check their records and update net-metering connections that remained pending despite payment of demand notices, physical replacement or reprogramming of meters, and execution of Meter Change Orders (MCOs), where applicable, for net-metering facilities prior to February 9, 2026, under the Nepra (Alternative & Renewable Energy) Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations, 2015. Pakistan to obtain Advanced Metering Infrastructure in five Discos. Nevertheless, the problem remains unresolved, the Nepra registrar observed.

He has now directed PITC to check its records and update in the billing system/software all net-metering connections that were pending prior to February 9, 2026, despite completion of all codal formalities under the 2015 net-metering regulations. PITC has been asked to complete the exercise without further delay.

For context, the matter assumes significance after the introduction of the Prosumer Regulations 2026 and subsequent reservations over the treatment of existing net-metering consumers.

In February 2026, the Power Division had approached Nepra for re-examination of the Prosumer Regulations 2026 in light of directions issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister had directed the Power Division to take up the matter with Nepra to safeguard the existing contracts of solar consumers.

In practice, the directions included ensuring all feasible protections for existing consumers and devising a comprehensive mechanism to prevent any undue transfer of the financial burden of around 466, 000 solar consumers to more than 38 million national-grid consumers.

In compliance with the directions, the Power Division requested Nepra to immediately re-examine the Prosumer Regulations and proposed that consumers holding valid net-metering licences as of February 9, 2026, should be protected, particularly with regard to the benefits available under the repealed net-metering regulations. For new consumers, nevertheless, the framework and mechanism prescribed under the Prosumer Regulations 2026 would apply.

Meanwhile, the Power Division additionally requested that, until a final decision was reached, distribution businesses be allowed to continue operating under the repealed net-metering mechanism for consumers holding valid licences as of February 9, 2026.

For context, the Power Division has maintained that consumers who have not installed net-metering systems-the non-protected category-are bearing an extra financial burden of around Rs3.5 per unit under the existing net-metering regime. It has additionally cautioned that rapid solarisation is creating a growing risk for the national grid system.

Meanwhile, a consultant to the Power Division, Syed Faizan Ali, has proposed the introduction of Time-of-Use (ToU) net metering/net billing, with enhanced evening discharge rates of Rs18-22 per kWh from 5: 00 pm to 10: 00 pm.

Meanwhile, the proposal is aimed at incentivising Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and reducing peak-hour electricity procurement costs for system operators. Pakistan's evening peak demand has now crossed 26, 000 MW annually. Govt increases petrol cost by Rs3.81, diesel's by Rs3.59 per litre. Terrorism devours over 90, 000 lives and inflicts USD150bn losses. Petroleum levy receipts: Govt sets Rs1.676trn target for FY27. Aurangzeb, SRF team discuss investment opportunities. Aurangzeb, SG ICCD discuss halal markets. Pakistan, Google sign MoU to deepen digital skills cooperation. Retail deposit mobilization: SBP urges banks to reorient their business models.

Pakistan banks' credit to private sector in ratio of GDP declines over past three decades. Currency Rate USD PKR Interbank Selling. Item Value Crude Oil USD/Barrel. Stock Cost First Paramount Mod. (R). Jubilee Life Insurance Firm Limited(JLICL). J.A. Textile Mills Limited(JATM). In practice, the Hub Power Firm Limited(HUBC).

Taken together, the developments around nepra directs PITC to update pending net point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.