NEPRA Weighs Fixed Charges on Rooftop Solar as DISCOs Push Net-Metering Changes

Overview

• At public hearings on multi-year tariff petitions, MEPCO and GEPCO said the regulator could allow a levy on electricity exported by net-metered users.
• SEPCO proposed fixed charges of Rs1,000 per kilowatt for net-metering customers, prompting NEPRA to request detailed cost calculations and data on dues.
• HESCO and PESCO advanced options such as network-usage fees based on sanctioned load or export capacity and a shift to gross metering to curb cross-subsidies.
• The Ministry of Energy supported the DISCOs’ position, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a review of buyback rates, with a proposal reported to lower the rate from Rs22 to about Rs11.30 per unit.
• Utilities argue growing rooftop solar reduces sales and shifts fixed grid costs to non-solar users, while NEPRA has not announced any decision as its review continues.