Net metering in Pakistan has imposed a financial burden of Rs103 billion on conventional grid power consumers, prompting the government to consider transitioning to a gross metering system, according to a report by Express News.
The Rise of Solar Net Metering
Solar net metering, which allows users to offset their electricity bills by feeding surplus energy back into the grid, has experienced significant growth over recent years:
- Installed capacity rose from 321 MW in 2021 to 3,277 MW in 2024.
- Projections estimate a surge to 12,377 MW by 2034.
Despite this growth, net metering currently benefits just 0.6% of the country’s 37 million electricity users.
The Financial Burden on Grid Users
In 2024 alone, net metering users added Rs103 billion to the costs borne by grid power consumers. Without policy reforms, this financial strain could escalate to Rs503 billion over the next decade.
Key cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Peshawar account for 80% of net metering users, with over 226,440 connections established nationwide.
Exploring Gross Metering
To mitigate the financial impact on grid users, the government is exploring a shift to a gross metering system.
- Under gross metering, the rate for electricity purchased from solar users would decrease from Rs21 per unit to Rs8–9 per unit.
- This reform aims to strike a balance between the rapid adoption of rooftop solar installations and the financial sustainability of the power sector.
Ensuring Grid Stability
The Power Division emphasized the need for policy adjustments to:
- Reduce financial pressure on conventional grid users.
- Ensure grid stability amid the rising adoption of renewable energy.
- Maintain affordability and long-term viability for the power sector.
Conclusion
The proposed transition to gross metering reflects the government’s efforts to sustain the energy grid while promoting renewable energy adoption. Striking this balance is crucial to supporting Pakistan’s energy needs without overburdening conventional electricity users.