ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced new tariffs for the purchase of solar-generated electricity, applicable to both existing and new solar power users.
NEPRA has differentiated rates for these groups. Existing solar consumers will continue to sell power to the grid at the previous rate of Rs 25.32 per kilowatt-hour, maintaining their current arrangements.
In contrast, new solar users will now sell electricity at a reduced rate of Rs 8.13 per unit, marking a decrease of Rs 17.19 per unit compared to previous rates. This adjustment aims to reflect the evolving economics of solar energy installations.
Currently, over 466,000 households and commercial entities in Pakistan are engaged in net-metering with solar systems, with approximately 82% of these consumers concentrated in urban centers such as Lahore (24%), Multan (11%), Rawalpindi (9%), Karachi (7%), and Faisalabad (6%).
The Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) reports that the government’s solar capacity generates around 7,000 MW, while off-grid solar systems contribute an additional 13,000 to 14,000 MW to the national energy pool.
Additionally, NEPRA has increased electricity rates by 28 paisa per unit through the December fuel adjustment mechanism. This change will be reflected in the bills issued in February across all major electricity distribution companies.The new rate hike applies broadly to residential and commercial consumers nationwide, though exemptions are in place for lifeline tariff users and electric vehicle charging stations, which will not see an increase.
NEPRA explained that this adjustment is a routine part of the monthly fuel cost pass-through process, designed to account for fluctuations in fuel prices. The authority highlighted that such changes are announced in advance to help consumers anticipate and prepare for the impact on their electricity bills.
