No Changes to Net Metering Policy for Existing Consumers ‘For Now’: Minister

Islamabad, February 12, 2026 — Energy Minister Awais Leghari has said that no changes will be made to the solar net metering policy for existing consumers “for now,” amid rising criticism of the new net billing reforms.

The minister explained that the growing opposition was fueled by social media trends. He said that even his family noticed a difference: “My wife opposed this policy, saying you had increased my bill after switching to net billing from net metering,” Leghari added.

Prime Minister Steps In

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the new Prosumer Regulations 2026 issued by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif instructed the Power Division to challenge the regulator’s decision and protect the contracts of existing solar consumers.

The PM also directed the Power Division to develop a comprehensive plan ensuring that the 466,000 solar consumers are not burdened by more than 37.6 million electricity users relying solely on the national grid.

A high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister included Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and other senior officials.

Shift from Net Metering to Net Billing

Two days ago, NEPRA ended the net metering regime and introduced new regulations that move rooftop solar and small power generators to a net billing system.

Under the new Prosumer Regulations, 2026, utilities must purchase surplus electricity from prosumers—including households, businesses, and small industries—at the national average energy purchase price. Meanwhile, electricity supplied back to prosumers will be billed at the applicable consumer tariff.

This ends the one-to-one offset model that allowed solar users to fully neutralize their electricity bills. Contracts will now be limited to five years instead of seven, renewable only by mutual consent. Existing prosumers will continue under their current contracts until expiry, while new connections and future renewals will follow the new five-year framework.

If a prosumer supplies more electricity than they consume, the excess will be adjusted in the next bill or paid quarterly.

Implications for Consumers

The regulations apply to solar, wind, and biogas systems. While the change is immediate, existing consumers will not see any impact until their current contracts expire. The government’s intervention ensures stability for thousands of solar users while allowing the new net billing system to govern future investments.

Energy Minister Leghari emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting renewable energy users and ensuring a fair transition.