Federal Minister Urges Quick Fix for Net Metering Hurdles via Online Portal

Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari has stressed the need for a swift and effective solution to the challenges surrounding new net metering connections through an online portal.

Chairing a review meeting focused on the provision of new solar net metering connections, the minister underscored the importance of making the application process “simple, transparent, and user-friendly.” He further instructed officials to conduct “practical demonstrations” for staff and to launch “an awareness programme” to educate the public on using the portal and understanding its transparency.

Last month, Owais Leghari highlighted that “only 5 to 8 percent of people who installed solar systems have opted for net metering.” He reiterated the government’s intention, saying, “We want that when people install solar net metering systems, they are able to recover their investment within three to four years and feel satisfied with the system.”

The minister also noted the impact of recent electricity tariff reductions, stating that “18 million households will see a 60% reduction in their electricity bills,” and that “those using up to 100 units are already paying Rs 4.50 per unit.”

It is worth noting that in March 2025, the government reduced the buyback rate for excess solar power under net metering from Rs27 to Rs10 per unit. The government defended this decision by citing the rise in solar net metering users and the need to “save the grid consumers from undue financial burden.”

Additionally, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) plans to enforce stricter technical standards for future net metering applicants, including mandatory inverters with grid interaction, remote monitoring, and anti-islanding protection.