PM Shehbaz Seeks Review of Nepra Solar Net-Billing Shift After Nationwide Outcry
By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Power Division to file an immediate review appeal against newly notified solar regulations by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), following widespread political and public criticism.
Earlier this week, Nepra replaced Pakistan’s existing net-metering regime with a net-billing system for both current and future solar consumers, citing the need to manage rising rooftop solar penetration and shield the financially strained national grid.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, the premier instructed officials to ensure “every possible safeguard of the existing consumer contracts” while reassessing the regulatory shift.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the PM Office, the prime minister observed that the burden created by approximately 466,000 solar users should not be transferred to nearly 37.6 million domestic consumers drawing electricity directly from the national grid. He further directed the Power Division to develop a comprehensive strategy balancing renewable energy growth with grid sustainability.
The issue has sparked opposition from lawmakers across party lines, intensifying scrutiny of Pakistan’s evolving energy policy framework.
Why it matters now: The review could directly affect investor confidence in Pakistan’s fast-growing rooftop solar market at a time when electricity tariffs and energy sector reforms remain under national debate.
Published on Chatzyr.net
Written By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
