ECC Lowers Net Metering Rates, Approves Key Economic Decisions
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has reduced the purchasing rate of additional electricity under net metering by Rs10 per unit, bringing it down from Rs27 to Rs10 per unit.
The decision, taken in a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, aims to ease the financial burden on grid consumers as solar adoption increases nationwide.
Impact of Net Metering on Consumers
According to the Finance Ministry, net metering had already placed an additional burden of Rs169 billion on grid consumers by December 2024, with projections estimating it could soar to Rs4,240 billion by 2034 if not addressed.
Read More: Government Plans Electricity Price Hike for Net Metering Users
To curb financial pressure, the ECC also revised the settlement mechanism, ensuring imported and exported electricity units are billed separately instead of being netted off.
Other Key Approvals
- Export of potassium sulphate fertilizer from Gwadar Port
- Allocation of funds for various ministries, including:
- Rs25 million for the Federal Ministry of Education
- Rs22 million for the Ministry of Industries and Production
- Rs36 million for the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control
- Funds allocated for helicopter repairs used by Sindh Rangers and FC Balochistan
Inflation Trends
Officials reported a recent decline in food prices, attributing it to fiscal discipline, improved supply chains, and subsidies. However, Finance Minister Aurangzeb directed authorities to continuously monitor inflation to ensure price stability.
The ECC’s latest decisions reflect the government’s efforts to manage energy costs, control inflation, and support key ministries amid ongoing economic challenges.
