Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intervened to shield existing solar net metering users from new billing rules, ordering a review after widespread public criticism.
The directive was confirmed by Energy Minister Awais Leghari, who said the government will temporarily stop applying revised net billing regulations to current solar consumers. He stated the decision followed strong reactions online and concerns raised by citizens about rising electricity costs under the proposed system.
Leghari revealed that even within his household the policy sparked debate, noting his wife opposed the change after her electricity bill increased following a switch from net metering to net billing. He acknowledged that public feedback played a key role in prompting authorities to reassess the reforms.
The prime minister has instructed the Power Division to file a formal review against Nepra’s Prosumer Regulations 2026. Officials say the goal is to ensure existing contracts remain protected while policymakers evaluate the financial impact of the new framework on both solar users and grid-dependent consumers.
The controversy began shortly after Nepra replaced the long-standing net metering regime with net billing rules. Under the revised structure, electricity generated by rooftop solar users would be purchased at the national average energy price and sold back at standard consumer tariffs, effectively ending the previous one-to-one bill offset system.
Authorities also shortened contract durations from seven years to five for future participants, with renewals requiring mutual consent. The government says the review aims to balance fairness for the country’s 466,000 solar users with the interests of approximately 37.6 million consumers who rely entirely on the national power grid.
