Nepra Planning To Increase Charges For Solar Powered Houses By Over 50%

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is looking forward to cutting the buying rate of electricity per unit through solar-installed consumers from Rs. 19.32 per unit to Rs 9 per unit. 

NEPRA has decided to set new tariffs for the net-metering consumers who have installed solar-powered systems in their houses. However, this new tariff might not affect their bills, the decision in this regard is yet to be finalized, sources reported. 

This was underlined by NEPRA chairman Engr. Tauseef H. Farooqi during heading the public hearing on the amendment to Net Metering Regulation 2015. 

Addressing the event, Chairman NEPRA said that if regulatory authority brings any amendment to net metering regulations, it would set a new tariff for the solar-installed consumers. Currently, the solar net-metering tariff stands at Rs. 19.32 per unit. However, the proposal is to decrease this tariff to Rs. 9 per unit. The proposed tariff will not affect the net-metered consumers, he said. 

He stated that the decision regarding amendment in the regulations is to be taken, mentioning that out of total of 3.6 million electricity consumers in Pakistan, the number of net-metered consumers currently stands at 20,700. ? 

Moreover, Chairman NEPRA said that the regulatory authority has the privilege to issue unilateral decisions; however, despite that, NEPRA has held a public hearing to talk over the subject matter. 

He noted that Pakistan had been facing severe challenges in the power sector when the solar net-metering tariff was given; but, the situation has changed now as we have installed approximately 41,000 MW capacity. 

Chairman NEPRA further remarked that solar-installed consumers have the right to decide whether to give power to the grid or not. If consumers think that they are facing losses by providing power to the national grid, they may not supply power to the grid as NEPRA’s sole effort is to provide relief to the consumers. 

Currently, Pakistan is producing 5 percent of electricity through renewable sources including sun, wind, and bagasse, he said. Now, the government is looking to establish Pakistan’s electric system on modern lines.