Leghari claims that out of a total solar capacity of 20,000 to 22,000 megawatts, only 6,000 megawatts are linked to solar metering
Energy Minister Awais Leghari speaking at the National Assembly PHOTO:YouTube/PAKISTAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
ISLAMABAD:
Energy Minister Awais Leghari told the National Assembly on Thursday that only a small fraction of solar energy consumers would be affected by the government’s decision to replace the net metering system with net metering, stressing that the policy change would not burden the common man.
Responding to a point of emphasis raised by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MP Sharmila Faruqui, he said that out of Pakistan’s total installed solar capacity of between 20,000 and 22,000 megawatts, only about 6,000 megawatts are linked to net metering. As a result, he said, only 600,000 to 700,000 consumers, or about eight to ten percent of total solar users, would be affected. “There will be no impact on low-income consumers,” he assured the House.
The minister recalled that he introduced the net metering system in 2017 and has since undergone four to five regulatory changes. He acknowledged the extent of the debate and criticism over the recent revisions, including opposition from members of his own party.
He, however, rejected claims that the new regulations were anti-solar, explaining that reducing the profit margin for net billed consumers from 50 percent to 37 percent was not an anti-people measure.
He added that 55 percent of electricity generated during 2024-25 came from clean energy sources and said Pakistan was confident of meeting its international commitment to increase this share to 60 percent by 2030 – perhaps even sooner.
Earlier this week, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) revised the terms and conditions of all existing and future net-billed solar consumers to manage the growing penetration of solar energy and protect the public power grid.
In a separate intervention, Leghari said about 466,000 consumers were responsible for system-related problems, while also recognizing their role in promoting clean energy. He accused critics of undermining public confidence in government policies and international agreements.
Highlighting broader reforms in the power sector, the power minister said circular debt had been reduced by 780 billion rupees, while losses due to power theft had reduced by 190 billion rupees.
Read: New solar policy must stay but PM seeks to protect existing users
Meanwhile, MQM lawmaker Moin Pirzada raised concerns over prolonged load shedding on K-Electric supply lines. Parliamentary Secretary for Power Division Aamir Talal said detailed answers regarding K-Electric would be provided in the next session, triggering protests from MQM members. The Vice President asked Talal to provide the information in the next session.
Talal also informed the House that the nationwide installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters would be completed by the end of this year. He said load shedding had been imposed on power lines with high losses and installation of bundled overhead cables and AMI meters would help combat power theft. He added that an anti-pilferage campaign was currently underway.
