Power Firms Push for Fixed Charges on Solar Users

Pakistan’s power distribution companies have requested regulatory approval to impose fixed charges on solar net metering consumers to compensate for growing revenue losses as more users switch to solar energy. At a public hearing before NEPRA, Mepco and Gepco argued that solar households still rely on grid infrastructure but do not contribute to its maintenance costs. Supported by the Ministry of Energy, their proposal would apply fixed fees on electricity exported by solar users. The hearing also covered multi-year tariff petitions for 2025–30. NEPRA raised concerns about delayed payments to solar users and unauthorized smart meter installations. The move follows earlier government proposals to lower the solar buyback rate, which were rejected after public backlash, as grid demand continues to decline nationwide.