Net Metering Units Missing, Solar Users Get High Bills

Net metering units missing issue has caused shock among solar users in Pakistan. Many consumers received very high electricity bills. They did not get credit for the units they supplied to the national grid.

The problem appeared in last month’s billing. Electricity distribution companies did not credit many solar net metering users for their generated units. As a result, consumers received bills worth hundreds of thousands of rupees.

The Ministry of Energy admitted the issue in an official press release. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) also accepted that it did not credit some users. The issue affected users whose power generation exceeded their approved capacity.

The Power Division said some consumers installed larger systems than their licensed capacity. However, officials admitted that stopping full credit was not the correct procedure.

Read Also: E-Stamping System Launched as Stamp Papers End in Pakistan

A senior Power Division official said multiple distribution companies faced this issue. Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) reported the highest number of cases. Their billing cycle runs earlier than others. They also serve more solar consumers.

Data shows LESCO has over 106,000 net metering users. MEPCO has more than 83,000 users. IESCO serves over 72,000 users. Across Pakistan, solar net metering users exceed 350,000.

Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari took notice of the matter. He ordered a review under Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) guidelines.

The Power Division spokesperson said some users installed systems above approved limits. Last month, companies did not give full credit for electricity sold to the grid. The division admitted that this action was incorrect.

Authorities issued new instructions to all distribution companies. They will adjust uncredited units in the next billing cycle. Companies will not credit only the units above approved capacity. They will fully credit units within the allowed limit.

Consumers now expect relief as the government addresses the net metering units missing problem. Officials aim to correct bills and restore trust in the system.