Pakistan’s shift toward solar energy continued to gain momentum in April 2026, with electricity supplied through net metering reaching a record high as consumers increasingly reduced their dependence on the national grid.
According to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited from NEPRA statistics, net metering’s share in total electricity generation rose to its highest level on record during April 2026.
The share increased by 117 basis points compared with the same month last year.
The trend comes at a time when overall electricity demand remains under pressure. Total power generation declined by 9.6 percent year-on-year in April, reflecting subdued consumption across several sectors and the growing contribution of self-generated solar power.
The accompanying data shows a steady rise in net-metered electricity over the past two years, with the sharpest gains recorded during the current fiscal year as falling solar panel prices and high grid electricity tariffs encouraged more households and businesses to install solar systems.
On a month-on-month basis, net metering units surged by 71.2 percent in April, indicating a significant increase in solar power generation during the spring season when sunlight availability improves.
The continued expansion of net metering is reshaping Pakistan’s electricity sector. While consumers benefit from lower electricity bills and greater energy independence, power sector stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns about the financial impact on distribution companies as more high-paying consumers reduce their reliance on grid-supplied electricity.
Despite the recent decline in overall power generation, NEPRA expects electricity demand to grow by around 1 percent during calendar year 2026.
However, the regulator and policymakers are increasingly monitoring the rapid growth of net metering, which is emerging as one of the most significant structural changes in Pakistan’s power market.