The federal government has amended the billing procedure for solar power consumers, significantly impacting net metering benefits across Pakistan.
A major shift in solar energy policy has raised concerns among consumers. The government has revised billing rules, effectively ending relief on excess electricity generated by solar systems.
The federal government has introduced changes to the billing mechanism for consumers generating electricity through solar systems.
According to reports, the revised procedure has been implemented contrary to existing agreements with consumers. The new policy alters how excess electricity generated by solar users is calculated and credited.
Excess electricity declared as zero units
Under the amended billing system, excess electricity generated by consumers has been declared as “zero” units. This means that additional power supplied to electricity distribution companies will no longer provide financial or billing relief.
Although the surplus electricity will still be added to the system, consumers will not receive any benefit under the net metering policy.
Authorities have introduced an “Export MDI check” on consumer connections. This check has been applied particularly to those connections where additional solar panels were installed beyond approved limits.
The implementation of this mechanism ensures strict monitoring of electricity export levels.
With the enforcement of the Export MDI check, all relief on electricity generated from additional panels has been completely abolished.
Consumers who increased their solar capacity beyond their approved generation license will no longer receive compensation for excess units. Relief based on export MDI readings has also been discontinued.
Impact on net metering policy
The changes effectively reduce the benefits previously offered under the net metering system. Consumers connecting additional panels beyond approved capacity will not receive any relief on export units.
This marks a significant shift in solar energy policy, potentially affecting investment and adoption of solar systems.
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