# Net Metering Policy: What Solar System Users Need to Know?
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Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved changes to the country’s net-metering regulations. These changes are designed to address what the government sees as a growing financial strain on grid consumers due to the increasing popularity of solar net-metering.
The key change is a revision of the buyback rate. Instead of receiving the National Average Power Purchase Price (NAPP) for excess electricity fed back into the grid, solar users will now receive a fixed rate of Rs 10 per unit.
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The policy shift has sparked controversy. Energy and environmental expert Dr. Busharat Hasan, speaking on ARY News’ “Reporters,” criticized the move, claiming it adds to the financial burden on the national treasury. He argues that consumers turned to solar power because of the government’s failure to provide reliable and affordable electricity, citing frequent load shedding and high prices. Dr. Hasan also questioned the government’s prior decisions regarding power plant installations, long-term contracts, and capacity payments, which he believes have negatively impacted the national exchequer.
The government contends that the previous net metering policy resulted in higher tariffs for non-solar electricity consumers. However, Dr. Hasan counters that electricity theft and free electricity provided to WAPDA employees are the primary drivers of increased costs, not solar users.
According to Dr. Hasan, there are currently 283,000 consumers generating 4,300 megawatts of electricity through solar systems connected to NET Meter. He suggests that those solar net-metering consumers to utilize battery to store solar energy rather than sending.
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Dr. Hasan emphasized that solar energy is a crucial part of Pakistan’s energy future, particularly due to its fuel-free nature.
**Crucially, the government has stated that these changes will *not* impact existing net-metering consumers. The new policy will only apply to *new* solar installations.** The government justified the changes, stating it is to stop transferring financial burdon to general electric consumer from Net Metering customer.
**[Link to “Solar panel latest prices in Pakistan; March 2025” article is relevant and should remain.]**