Pakistan Honors Net Metering Applications Filed Before February 8th Amid Regulatory Shift

Islamabad – Pakistan’s Power Minister, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, has directed electricity distribution companies (Discos), including K-Electric, to process all net metering applications submitted on or before February 8, 2026, under the previous regulatory framework. This decision aims to address uncertainty surrounding pending applications following the introduction of new net metering regulations.

Regulatory Changes and the Shift to Net Billing

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) introduced the Prosumer Regulations 2026 on February 9, 2026, replacing the existing net-metering framework with a net billing system. This change has raised concerns about the economic viability of rooftop solar installations for both households and industries [Dawn].

Addressing Backlog and Capacity Addition

As of February 8, a total of 5,165 net metering applications had been submitted across all distribution companies, including K-Electric. These applications represent a potential capacity addition of 250.822 megawatts (MW) to the national grid [Brecorder], [APP]. The minister’s directive ensures these applications will be processed under the older, more favorable regulations.

Government Credibility and Legal Obligations

The decision to honor applications filed before February 8th is seen as a move to maintain government credibility [Dawn]. Minister Leghari emphasized the government’s legal and moral obligation to uphold its existing regulations and commitments to consumers who made investments based on those rules. He stated that applicants had accrued rights that could not be denied [Dawn].

Transparency and Complaint Resolution

Minister Leghari has instructed all Discos and K-Electric to ensure transparency in the processing of these applications. Consumers are encouraged to register any complaints through the helpline at 118 [Brecorder], [APP].

Previous Concerns and Regulatory Revisions

Prior to the minister’s intervention, distribution companies had reportedly stopped accepting new solar applications and were discouraging online registrations following the publication of draft regulations in December 2025 [Dawn]. Nepra had previously declared such unilateral actions illegal and pledged to reverse them. The Prime Minister had also intervened to restore contractual benefits for existing licensees.

Looking Ahead

While applications submitted before February 8th will be processed under the old regulations, new investments will be subject to the revised Prosumer Regulations 2026. The Power Division has stated that the minister’s decision removes uncertainties surrounding pending applications and paves the way for a smoother transition to the new regulatory framework [Brecorder].