ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided that existing rooftop solar consumers will not be subject to any changes under the proposed net billing framework.
Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari said during a television interview that no immediate changes would be made to the current net metering policy for at least one month.
He stated that the decision was taken following directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the minister, any revised net billing mechanism would apply only to new solar consumers, while existing users would continue under previously agreed terms.
The development follows recent regulatory amendments issued by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) regarding electricity buyback rates from rooftop solar producers.
Under earlier rates, existing consumers were allowed to sell surplus electricity to the national grid at Rs25.32 per unit. However, revised regulations propose a reduction of Rs17.19 per unit for new entrants.
The prime minister had taken notice of the regulatory changes and sought a review before implementation.
Officials said consultations with coalition partners and stakeholders were ongoing.
