Power division seeks relief for small solar users

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Power Division has decided to review the fee collection issue from solar consumers, amid concerns over new regulatory requirements.

Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari has recommended abolishing fees for solar users with systems up to 25 kW, warning that such charges could discourage the growth of renewable energy in the country.

The Power Division has formally approached the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), requesting the removal of license fee requirements and expressing reservations about the recently introduced regulations.

Officials have proposed restoring the earlier solar policies introduced in 2015 and have objected to licensing and fee conditions for small-scale consumers. The solar industry has also reportedly rejected the new framework.

Meanwhile, rising temperatures have increased demand for solar solutions, leading to a noticeable surge in prices of solar panels and related equipment. Traders attribute the increase to higher import costs and growing demand.

Consumers, on the other hand, say net metering is becoming less beneficial under the current policy direction, expressing concerns that the shift may discourage on-grid solar adoption nationwide.