Govt requests NEPRA for protection of existing solar consumers

Following the Prime Minister's direction, the federal government has filed a review petition with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to seek reconsideration of the existing net metering regulations, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday. 

According to officials familiar with the development, the government has requested full protection for existing solar consumers under the current net metering framework.

The petition urged the regulator to maintain previous regulations for already registered users and to ensure that no changes are made to their existing agreements.

Sources said the government has specifically sought restoration of the “unit-for-unit” formula for current solar consumers and withdrawal of the proposed net billing mechanism for them.

Under the request, existing users would continue to benefit from the earlier net metering regime without any alteration in contractual terms.

However, the government has proposed that the net billing system be introduced only for new solar consumers to be registered after the approval of revised regulations.

NEPRA has confirmed receipt of the federal government’s petition.

Sources within the authority said that once the request is formally admitted, a decision will be taken regarding the scheduling of a hearing.

Before the hearing, the regulator will be required to issue a public notice announcing the date of the public hearing in accordance with procedural requirements.

The regulator is expected to deliberate on the government’s request after completing the mandatory review process.