Solar ‘net metering’ rationalisation reforms delayed?

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has temporarily halted the much-talked plan to rationalize the net metering tariff due to public pressure following the recent hike in electricity tariff.

Initially, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the Power Division to finalize the plan by May 31, 2024, later extended twice, with the new deadline now set for September 30, 2024, local publication reported.

According to the publication, citing insiders, the Power Division moved Prime Minister’s Office and cleared its position, saying that it is difficult to introduce further changes considering the sensitivity due to the recent tariff hike.

However, the Power Division mentioned that the reform would be initiated at the appropriate time and confirmed that the in-house deliberations were completed and the proposal was ready.

Moreover, the news report added that the restructuring of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) is ongoing. Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema presided over a meeting on August 1, 2024, to review and present a way forward on TDC restructuring.

A committee has extended the deadline for restructuring proposals to October 15, 2024.

The Power Division is also working with the Sindh government to expand the Thar coal mine project. Also, talks with China are progressing to convert the Sahiwal, Port Qasim, and Hub China coal power plants to Thar coal by July 1, 2029.