Solar Net Metering New Policy 2026 – Complete Guide in Easy English

The Solar Net Metering New Policy 2026 has brought a big change for solar users in Pakistan. Under this new policy, the old net metering system has officially ended for new users and has been replaced with net billing (also called gross metering). This decision was made to control financial losses, reduce pressure on the national grid, and balance electricity prices.

Below is a complete and easy explanation of the new solar policy, who it affects, and what it means for future solar users.

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What Is Solar Net Metering?

Solar net metering allowed users to:

Use solar power during the day
Export extra electricity to the national grid
Get unit-for-unit adjustment (1 exported unit = 1 free unit later)

This system helped people reduce electricity bills, especially when grid prices went above Rs. 50 per unit.

What Has Changed in Solar Net Metering Policy 2026?

Under the new 2026 policy, unit-for-unit adjustment has been completely removed for new connections.

Key Change:

Net metering ❌ ended
Net billing ✅ started

Now, solar users will:

Sell extra electricity to the grid at a fixed low rate
Buy electricity from the grid at normal (high) tariffs

New Solar Net Billing System Explained

Here is how the new system works:

Selling Electricity to the Grid

Solar electricity exported to the grid will be bought at national average purchase price
Current estimated rate: around Rs. 11 per unit
Payments will be made quarterly (every 3 months)

Buying Electricity from the Grid

Electricity taken from the grid will be charged at existing domestic or commercial tariff
For many users, this rate is Rs. 45–50+ per unit

👉 This means buying electricity is much more expensive than selling it.

Impact on New Solar Users

The new policy mainly affects new solar installations.

For New Applicants:

No unit adjustment
No monthly bill balancing
Only cash payment for exported units
Solar payback period will be longer

This makes rooftop solar less profitable, but still useful for reducing daytime electricity use.

What About Existing Net Metering Users?

Good news for old users ✅

Existing net metering consumers will continue on old rates
Their current agreements remain valid
They will keep selling electricity at earlier approved rates

Net Metering Contract Duration Changed

Another important update:

Net metering agreement is now limited to 5 years
After completion, it can be renewed for another 5 years
Renewal will be subject to updated rules

Biogas Users Also Included

The new net billing regulations also apply to:

Biogas-based power producers
Same payment and billing rules will apply

Meter Requirements Under New Policy

All DISCO consumers must:

Install a bi-directional (two-way) meter
OR install separate meters for import and export

Without approved metering, net billing will not be allowed.

Why Government Changed the Policy?

According to power sector officials and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority:

Solar capacity in Pakistan has crossed 6,000 MW
Most solar installations are in urban residential and commercial areas
In FY 2024:
Grid electricity sales dropped by 3.2 billion units
DISCOs suffered losses of Rs. 101 billion
Remaining grid users faced an extra Rs. 0.9 per unit burden

The regulator says net metering had become unfair for non-solar consumers.

Is Solar Still Worth It in 2026?

Yes, but with limits.

Solar Is Still Useful For:

Reducing daytime electricity usage
Avoiding load shedding
Long-term energy independence

Solar Is Less Attractive For:

Selling electricity for profit
Fast recovery of solar system cost

Final Thoughts

The Solar Net Metering New Policy 2026 has changed the economics of rooftop solar in Pakistan. While it protects the national grid and power companies, it reduces financial benefits for new solar users. Existing users remain protected, but new applicants must carefully calculate costs before installing solar systems.

Solar power is still valuable but now it is more about self-use, not earning from the grid.