On Sunday, Federal Energy Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari clarified that the government has no plans to discontinue the solar net-metering policy.
The minister’s statement came in response to media reports suggesting that the government might replace net metering with a new system called gross metering.
Net metering allows consumers with solar systems to sell excess electricity they generate back to their power company. This practice helps them save money on their electricity bills.
In contrast, under the proposed gross metering system, electricity from consumers’ solar panels would go directly into the national grid. Consumers would then buy electricity back from the distribution company, which might reduce their financial benefits.
Speaking to reporters at the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) headquarters, Minister Leghari dismissed the media reports. He emphasized that the net-metering policy was initiated during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and assured that the government supports its continuation.
The minister underscored the government’s commitment to promoting solar energy and assured consumers that their current benefits under the net-metering policy would be maintained. He also highlighted the importance of renewable energy in Pakistan’s energy mix and reiterated the government’s efforts to encourage solar power adoption across the country.
