Existing Solar Users to Keep Old Benefits Following Proposed Policy Revision

The Power Division has formally asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority to re-examine the Prosumer Regulations 2026, following directions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed at protecting existing solar consumers.

According to the proposal, consumers holding valid net metering licenses as of February 9, 2026, would continue to receive protections under the previous framework, while new consumers would fall under the revised Prosumer Regulations. Officials said the request seeks to ensure that earlier benefits remain protected for current users.

The move comes after widespread public criticism of the newly notified regulations, with concerns that recent changes could undermine investments made by thousands of households and businesses in solar systems.

The government has also proposed that distribution companies continue operating under the earlier net metering mechanism for existing licensed users until a final decision is made.

Authorities estimate that around 466,000 solar consumers could potentially shift the financial burden onto more than 38 million grid users if the issue is not addressed. The Power Division has been directed to ensure that no unfair cost transfer takes place while safeguarding the contractual rights of current consumers.

The debate around solar policy has intensified, with both NEPRA and the Power Division facing criticism from parliamentarians and consumers who have invested millions of rupees in solar installations to reduce electricity costs.

At the same time, officials argue that non-solar consumers are currently bearing an additional cost of around Rs. 3.5 per unit under the existing net metering regime, while rapid solar adoption is also emerging as a challenge for grid stability.

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