Nepra Proposes New Net Metering Rules, Cuts Solar Buyback Rates

National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has released the Draft Prosumer Regulations 2025, proposing major changes to Pakistan’s solar net metering framework. The new rules will replace the existing 2015 regulations and introduce tighter limits on system size, contract duration, and compensation for excess electricity supplied to the grid.Under the proposal, consumers will only be allowed to install solar systems equal to their approved electricity load, ending the current allowance of up to 1.5 times the sanctioned load. Existing net metering consumers will continue under current rules until their seven-year contracts expire, after which the new regulations will apply.Nepra has also proposed reducing the contract period for new connections to five years and cutting the buyback rate for excess electricity to around Rs. 13 per unit, nearly half of the current rate. The regulator says the changes are aimed at ensuring grid stability as solar capacity continues to grow rapidly.