How much will solar users earn now as Nepra cuts net billing rates?
Business
Nepra slashed buyback rates for new solar users, introduced new net billing rules, and cut licenses to five years, sharply reducing earnings from selling power.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Solar power consumers have received a setback as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) reduced electricity buyback rates and introduced a new net billing system.
According to the notification of New Regulations 2026, existing solar users will continue selling electricity to the national grid at the old rate of Rs25.32 per unit. However, for new users, the buyback rate has been cut by Rs17.19 per unit.
Under the revised system, new solar consumers will receive only Rs8.13 per unit, less than one-third of the previous rate. Nepra has also changed net billing rules, ending the practice of treating exported solar units equal to grid units. Electricity drawn from the grid will now be charged strictly under official tariffs and slabs.
Additionally, the license period for new net metering consumers has been reduced from seven years to five years.
The Power Planning and Monitoring Company said Pakistan currently has around 7,000 megawatts of net-metered solar capacity, while an estimated 13,000 to 14,000 megawatts is being generated off-grid.
Experts say the decision may slow new solar installations, raising concerns for consumers planning to invest in rooftop solar systems.
