Policy & Net Billing
Updated for S.R.O. 1320(I)/2026
Solar Net Metering in Pakistan (2026): New Net Billing Rules, DISCO Steps & Costs
Solar net metering has transformed residential and commercial electricity economics in Pakistan. With grid power bills routinely crossing Rs 50,000 to Rs 150,000+ per month, installing a bi-directional green meter enables you to sell excess daytime solar energy back to your power distribution company (DISCO) and wipe out your power costs.
However, significant regulatory updates came into force under the 2026 Net Billing Framework and NEPRA S.R.O. 1320(I)/2026. Understanding these new rules is critical before signing an installation contract or buying hardware.
Below is a practical, step-by-step walkthrough covering eligibility, the online PITC application process, green meter fees, and how to maximize your savings with today's solar panel price in Pakistan.
1. The 2026 Net Billing Shift: What Really Changed?
Historically, Pakistan used true 1:1 net metering where an exported unit directly cancelled out an imported unit regardless of time. Under the updated 2026 Net Billing mechanism:
- Export Buyback Rate: Daytime exported surplus units are credited on your monthly bill at the national wholesale generation benchmark rate (typically Rs 19–24/unit).
- Import Retail Tariff: Grid units consumed at night or during cloudy days continue to be billed at your standard slab rate (often Rs 55–65/unit including surcharges).
- Self-Consumption is King: Every unit generated by your solar panels that you use immediately inside your home saves you Rs 60+/unit. Exporting surplus still generates significant bill credits, but system sizing should now prioritize daytime domestic or commercial loads.
Key Benefit of S.R.O. 1320(I)/2026:
Under the latest decentralization reform, solar systems up to 25 kW no longer require physical concurrence files to be sent to NEPRA headquarters in Islamabad. Your local DISCO (LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, K-Electric, FESCO, GEPCO) is authorized to test and commission your bi-directional meter locally, reducing application timelines from 3–4 months down to 3 to 5 weeks!
Under the latest decentralization reform, solar systems up to 25 kW no longer require physical concurrence files to be sent to NEPRA headquarters in Islamabad. Your local DISCO (LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, K-Electric, FESCO, GEPCO) is authorized to test and commission your bi-directional meter locally, reducing application timelines from 3–4 months down to 3 to 5 weeks!
2. Prerequisites: Can You Apply for Net Metering?
Before filing an application on the national portal, verify these three essential conditions:
- Three-Phase Connection: Net metering is only permissible on 3-phase commercial, industrial, or residential meters. If you have a single-phase meter, you must first apply to your DISCO for a three-phase meter upgrade.
- Sanctioned Load Sizing: NEPRA rules state that your installed solar inverter capacity cannot exceed your sanctioned load (minimum 5 kW). For instance, to install a 10kW solar system, your bill must show a sanctioned load of at least 10 kW.
-
Distribution Transformer 80% Capacity: The aggregate solar capacity connected to your local street transformer (PMT) cannot exceed 80% of its rated capacity. Your solar company checks this live on
nmp.pitc.com.pk.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process (5 Steps)
1
Site Survey & Engineering Design: An AEDB / PEC-licensed solar company conducts an on-site structural and electrical survey. They produce the Single Line Diagram (SLD), verify grounding resistance (must be < 5 Ohms), and ensure the inverter is AEDB-certified with anti-islanding protection.
2
Online Portal Application: Your certified installer uploads your paid electricity bill, owner CNIC, inverter test report, and SLD to the Power Information Technology Company (PITC) National Net Metering Portal (
nmp.pitc.com.pk) targeting your specific DISCO subdivision.
3
Subdivision Inspection & Load Verification: The SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer) and technical inspection team visit your premise to audit the solar array, inspect the DC/AC disconnect switches, and verify transformer headroom.
4
Interconnection Agreement & Demand Notice: Once approved, the DISCO signs the standard Schedule-I Net Billing Interconnection Agreement and issues an official Demand Notice for the bi-directional green meter.
5
Meter Installation & Green Meter Commissioning: After payment of the demand note, the metering testing lab issues the calibrated bi-directional meter. DISCO teams install the green meter, replace the old unidirectional meter, and energize the system.
4. Complete Net Metering Cost Breakdown (2026)
| Expense Head | Typical Cost Range | Remarks / Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| DISCO Green Meter Demand Notice | Rs 55,000 – Rs 75,000 | Official fee paid directly to DISCO via bank voucher |
| Dual Earthing Bores (Grounding) | Rs 25,000 – Rs 35,000 | Must achieve < 5 Ohms resistance for lightning & grid safety |
| AEDB Certified Engineer Documentation & SLD | Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000 | Mandatory PEC registration & technical file preparation |
| Subdivision Inspection & Testing Follow-up | Rs 20,000 – Rs 30,000 | Site verification, lab testing & commissioning facilitation |
| Total Net Metering Facilitation Cost | Rs 120,000 – Rs 165,000 | Usually included in Al Naseer turnkey packages |
5. Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Delays
- Transformer Capacity Saturation: If your neighborhood transformer has reached the 80% ceiling, apply immediately or request a dedicated transformer upgrade.
- Name Mismatch on CNIC and Electricity Bill: Ensure the applicant name matches the electricity bill exactly. If the meter is in a deceased relative's or landlord's name, transfer ownership first.
- Unapproved Inverter Models: Only AEDB Category-C or Category-V certified inverters with valid anti-islanding certificates are accepted by DISCO inspectors.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (Net Metering Pakistan)
Is net metering still available in Pakistan in 2026?
Yes, net metering remains active across all DISCOs (LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, FESCO, GEPCO, etc.) and K-Electric under the 2026 net billing framework. Exported daytime surplus units are credited against your bill, and systems up to 25kW enjoy fast-track approval under S.R.O. 1320(I)/2026.
How much does a green bi-directional meter cost in Pakistan?
The official bi-directional green meter demand notice fee ranges from Rs 55,000 to Rs 75,000 depending on your DISCO. Full turnkey facilitation including earthing bores, AEDB engineer certification, and paperwork generally costs Rs 120,000 to Rs 160,000.
What is the minimum sanctioned load required for net metering?
You must have a three-phase meter with a minimum sanctioned load of 5 kW. Under NEPRA regulations, your installed solar inverter capacity cannot exceed your sanctioned load.
How long does it take to get net metering in Pakistan?
Thanks to the online PITC portal (nmp.pitc.com.pk) and the exemption of systems up to 25kW from NEPRA headquarters concurrence, typical approval and meter installation now completes within 3 to 5 weeks from fee payment.
What is the 80% transformer capacity rule?
NEPRA safety regulations mandate that the total sum of all solar net metering systems connected to a single local distribution transformer cannot exceed 80% of that transformer's rated capacity.
Get Hassle-Free Net Metering with Al Naseer
Our AEDB-certified solar engineers handle end-to-end net metering approvals with LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, and K-Electric — from SLD design to final green meter installation.