I’m Zorays Khalid, founder of Zorays Solar. Over the last decade, I’ve worked hands-on with 300+ on-ground solar installations across Pakistan—residential rooftops, commercial facilities, industrial units, and hybrid energy systems. I’ve seen Pakistan’s solar policy evolve from optimism to uncertainty, and now into a decisive transition phase.
This article updates the conversation with the latest solar policy shift: NEPRA’s notice on halted net-metering applications, the practical shift toward net billing / gross metering, and—most importantly—how existing and new solar owners can maximize productivity, remain compliant, and protect ROI.
NEPRA Takes Notice: Why New Net-Metering Applications Are Being Halted
In late 2024, :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} (NEPRA) formally took notice after multiple DISCOs began halting or slowing new net-metering applications. This development—widely reported by ProPakistani—was not random. It was the result of three converging pressures:
- Revenue stress on DISCOs due to high solar export volumes
- Grid instability at the LT level caused by uncontrolled bidirectional flow
- Policy misalignment between consumer incentives and utility economics
Let’s be clear: this is not an anti-solar move. It’s a recalibration.
Net metering, as originally implemented, worked brilliantly when penetration was low. But with solar now mainstream in urban Pakistan, the rules were bound to change.
