Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intervened in the brewing controversy surrounding NEPRA’s new solar net metering regulations. During a high-level meeting in Islamabad today, the Prime Minister directed the Power Division to file an immediate appeal before the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). This move aims to safeguard existing solar users and uphold the sanctity of signed agreements.
Safeguarding Existing Solar Users
The Prime Minister took immediate notice of the newly issued regulations to prevent additional financial burdens on consumers. He specifically instructed officials to ensure that the rights of current solar users remain protected under all circumstances. Consequently, the Power Division must now seek a review to ensure that already-signed solar net metering contracts are not retroactively affected.
Furthermore, the government wants to maintain confidence among investors and the 466,000 solar consumers currently benefiting from renewable energy. By filing this appeal, the government intends to signal that policy reforms will not come at the cost of legal stability.
Balancing the National Grid
While protecting solar users, the Prime Minister also highlighted the needs of grid-dependent citizens. He stated that the financial burden of net metering should not shift onto the vast majority of consumers. Currently, over 37.6 million electricity consumers rely entirely on the national grid.
Therefore, the Prime Minister directed the Power Division to formulate a comprehensive strategy. This strategy must keep the national electricity system balanced and equitable. The goal is to ensure that the transition to renewable energy distributes costs and benefits fairly across the entire consumer base.
High-Level Review of NEPRA Energy Policy
The special meeting included high-ranking officials such as Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal Chatha, Attaullah Tarar, and Sardar Awais Khan Leghari. During the session, officials briefed the Prime Minister on the potential implications of NEPRA’s regulatory framework.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the national electricity system must remain sustainable. Moving forward, the government remains committed to promoting green energy while protecting those already facing rising electricity costs.
