Difficulties continue to mount for solar consumers

ISLAMABAD: Electricity distribution companies are continuously increasing the difficulties for solar consumers.

Despite a strict notice from NEPRA, the registration of net metering applications has been stopped at Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), due to which new applications are not being received.

The affected consumers say that they are forced to visit offices repeatedly to obtain net metering, but they are not being given any clear answer, which is causing serious difficulties.

The Pakistan Solar Association, expressing concern over this situation, has demanded immediate notice from the government and NEPRA.

Chairman of Pakistan Solar Association, Waqas Musa, says that self-imposed restrictions on solar by the DISCOs have destroyed the solar business.

Waqas Musa said that it does not happen all over the world that all work is stopped just on the announcement of a change in policy.

He pointed out that people have spent millions of rupees and installed solar panels, but now their net metering is not being done.

He further said that several LESCO customers have been waiting for net metering meters for months, while the approval of meters used for net metering has also been stopped.

He alleged that electricity distribution companies are discouraging net metering through various pretexts, which is causing serious damage not only to consumers but also to the solar industry.