IMF raises issues on net metering policy for existing solar consumers

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concerns about Pakistan’s solar net metering policy.

According to the IMF, the current system still allows existing solar consumers to use net metering, while new solar users are being shifted to net billing.

The IMF said net billing is more in line with international standards, unlike the old net metering system that is still being used for existing consumers.

Under Pakistan’s updated solar policy, two separate categories have now been created. Existing solar users will continue under net metering, while all new solar consumers will come under net billing rules.

The IMF said keeping net metering for old consumers means cross-subsidisation from the national electricity grid to solar users will continue.

Last month, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) officially changed the solar policy through a new notification.

Under the revised policy, existing agreements of net metering consumers will remain unchanged. All previous terms and conditions will continue as before.

The NEPRA notification also stated that licences of existing solar net metering consumers will stay valid until the end of their current licence period.