Solar system owners across Pakistan have received another financial setback, as the government has further reduced the price at which electricity exported to the grid is purchased under net metering.
The decision has raised serious concerns among consumers who invested heavily in solar systems expecting long-term savings.
Government Cuts Exported Electricity Purchase Rate
According to official sources, the purchase tariff for exported electricity units has been reduced by 66 paisas per unit.
As a result:
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The tariff has dropped from Rs 27 per unit
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The new rate is now Rs 25.32 per unit
The reduction has been formally approved by NEPRA, giving it regulatory backing.
New Billing to Apply From This Month
Power distribution companies have been directed to:
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Apply the revised tariff in current billing cycles
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Calculate exported units at the new lower rate
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Adjust consumer credits accordingly
This means solar users will now receive less credit on their electricity bills, even if they export the same amount of power as before.
Financial Impact on Solar Consumers
The tariff reduction directly affects:
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Monthly bill adjustments
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Recovery period of solar investments
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Overall savings expected from net metering
Many consumers fear that repeated tariff cuts will extend the payback period of solar systems, making future investments less attractive.
Growing Concern Among Solar Users
Initially, the government purchased surplus electricity from solar consumers at Rs 27 per unit, which was seen as a key incentive for adopting renewable energy.
However, with continuous reductions, solar users are now expressing concern over:
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Policy uncertainty
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Declining returns
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Lack of long-term tariff guarantees
Renewable Energy Push Faces Questions
Energy analysts warn that frequent changes in net metering policies could:
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Slow down solar adoption
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Discourage middle-class investment
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Undermine confidence in renewable energy initiatives
They argue that stable and predictable policies are essential for promoting clean energy in the country.
What Solar Users Should Expect Next
For now:
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Existing systems remain connected under net metering
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Exported units will be credited at the new approved rate
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Any further changes will require fresh regulatory approval
Consumers are advised to monitor official notifications closely and plan energy usage accordingly.
