Key Points:
- Power Minister says 55% of electricity in 2024-25 came from clean sources
- Net metering replaced by net billing for 6,000-7,000 MW of solar capacity
- Policy shift comes amid ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s power sector
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan aims to become a 90 per cent clean energy country in terms of power generation by 2034, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari told the National Assembly on Thursday.
He noted that 55 per cent of electricity generated in 2024–25 came from clean energy sources and expressed confidence that Pakistan will meet its international commitment to reach 60 per cent by 2030.
The minister addressed the recent regulatory shift from net metering to net billing, claiming that it affects only the 6,000–7,000 MW (megawatt) of solar capacity connected to the net metering system, or roughly 8–10 per cent of the nation’s total distributed solar generation of 20,000–22,000 MW.
He explained that the majority of solar users, households, small businesses, farmers, and commercial self-consumption units, remain unaffected. He did not explain.
The policy adjustment comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges in Pakistan’s power sector, including recurring circular debt, transmission and distribution inefficiencies, and financial stress on utilities, which have complicated efforts to expand renewable energy.
Experts say the move to net billing aims to provide a more sustainable framework for integrating distributed solar generation into the national grid while protecting both consumers and investors.
Leghari said the net metering system was introduced in 2017 and has undergone several regulatory amendments under the authority of the power regulator. The government retains the right to review or challenge changes, and the Prime Minister has directed that net billing will not apply to existing consumers for now.
He also responded to criticism, suggesting that the reforms could be anti-public or burdensome to consumers, stressing that the changes are within the legal framework and stakeholder concerns are being considered. Leghari reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting solar energy through consumer-supportive policies and zero taxation, encouraging wider adoption across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors.
