Solar energy has become a lifeline for many households and businesses in Pakistan. With rising electricity bills and frequent power outages, net metering gave people hope—produce your own electricity and sell extra units back to the grid.
But recently, confusion and panic spread across the country after reports claimed that net metering for solar consumers has been stopped in 2025–26. Many people feared that the government had silently ended this facility.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering allows solar users to:
- Use electricity from their solar system
- Export extra electricity to the national grid
- Get adjustment or credit on their monthly electricity bill
In short, it helps reduce bills and makes solar investment more affordable.
What Triggered the Net Metering Confusion in 2025–26?
In December 2025, a MOST IMMEDIATE notification from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) caught public attention.
The letter revealed that:
- Several DISCOs (electric supply companies) had stopped accepting new net metering applications
- This action was taken without formal approval
- NEPRA considered this a serious violation
This is where misinformation started spreading.
Important Clarification: Net Metering Is NOT Officially Banned
Let’s make this crystal clear:
❌ NEPRA has NOT stopped net metering
❌ No nationwide ban has been announced
✅ Some DISCOs stopped applications on their own
In fact, NEPRA expressed concern over this behavior.
What NEPRA Actually Said in the Notification
According to the notification dated 24 December 2025:
- NEPRA noticed that multiple DISCOs halted new net metering registrations
- This action violated existing rules and procedures
- NEPRA directed all DISCOs to submit a detailed report within 3 working days
- The matter was marked MOST URGENT
This means NEPRA is questioning DISCOs, not supporting the suspension.
Which Electricity Companies Were Addressed?
NEPRA sent the directive to almost all major power distribution companies, including:
- LESCO (Lahore)
- IESCO (Islamabad)
- GEPCO (Gujranwala)
- FESCO (Faisalabad)
- MEPCO (Multan)
- PESCO (Peshawar)
- QESCO (Quetta)
- HESCO (Hyderabad)
- SEPCO (Sukkur)
- TESCO (Tribal Areas)
- HAZECO (Hazara)
- K-Electric (Karachi)
So, the issue is nationwide, but not policy-based.
Why Did Some DISCOs Stop New Applications? (Possible Reasons)
While NEPRA hasn’t officially listed reasons, experts believe:
- Grid capacity issues in some areas
- High volume of applications
- Technical upgrades in progress
- Internal policy confusion
- Pressure due to increasing solar adoption
Still, none of these reasons justify stopping applications without approval.
What Should Solar Consumers Do Right Now?
If you’re planning to install solar or apply for net metering:
- ✔️ Don’t panic
- ✔️ Contact your DISCO in writing
- ✔️ Ask for application status or reason for delay
- ✔️ Keep documents ready
- ✔️ Follow NEPRA updates
Existing net metering users are not affected at all.
Is the Government Planning Policy Changes?
There have been discussions about:
- Revising buyback rates
- Improving grid stability
- Managing rapid solar expansion
But no final policy has been announced so far.
Any future changes must go through:
- Public notice
- Regulatory approval
- Official notification
Until then, net metering rules remain valid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Has net metering been stopped in Pakistan for 2025–26?
No. Net metering has not been officially stopped by NEPRA.
- Why are DISCOs refusing new net metering applications?
Some DISCOs stopped applications on their own, which NEPRA has questioned.
- Are existing solar net metering customers affected?
No. Existing customers will continue as usual.
- Has NEPRA approved any ban on net metering?
Absolutely not. NEPRA called this situation a serious concern.
- What should new solar applicants do now?
Stay informed, keep documents ready, and follow official updates.
Final Conclusion
The news about Net Metering for Solar Consumers being stopped in Pakistan for 2025–26 is misleading. NEPRA has not banned net metering—in fact, it has raised serious concerns over DISCOs that stopped accepting applications without approval. Solar users should stay calm, informed, and rely only on official notifications. Net metering remains a key part of Pakistan’s clean energy future, and any real change will come transparently, not quietly.