The federal government defended its revised solar net billing policy in the National Assembly on Wednesday amid criticism from coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party over recent changes to solar energy regulations.
Responding to a calling attention notice, Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari assured lawmakers that existing solar consumers would not be affected by the revised framework.
He stated that agreements already signed with current net metering users would remain unchanged, while only new applicants would be covered under the updated policy structure.
According to the minister, Pakistan is currently generating between 23,000 and 24,000 megawatts of electricity through solar energy, with around 8,000 megawatts connected to the national grid under net metering arrangements.
Under the revised framework, new applicants will now fall under a net billing mechanism instead of the previous net metering system. The government will purchase electricity from consumers at a rate of Rs. 9 per unit.
Leghari said the policy changes have already contributed to increased imports of battery storage systems as consumers shift toward storing electricity instead of depending entirely on exporting excess power to the grid.
He further informed the house that electricity distribution companies are receiving applications under the new prosumer regulations at a rapid pace.
The minister also told lawmakers that around 74 percent of Pakistan’s electricity generation now relies on local energy resources, while approximately 26 percent still depends on imported fuels.
The revised solar policy has triggered debate among lawmakers and consumers, with supporters arguing it is necessary for long-term power sector sustainability while critics fear it may discourage future rooftop solar adoption
