For thousands of solar users across Pakistan, last month’s electricity bills came as a shock. Many households that had been exporting power to the national grid found no credit for their generated units, despite having active net metering connections. After growing complaints and confusion, the Power Division has now stepped in to correct the issue, bringing much-needed relief to affected consumers.
This update explains what went wrong, what has changed, and what solar users should expect next.
What Is the Latest Update
The Power Division has officially corrected an error related to solar net metering credits after noticing that many consumers were overbilled. The issue emerged following instructions issued earlier by the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC), which affected how exported electricity units were credited.
After reviewing the complaints, the Power Division confirmed that the previous approach was incorrect and has now restored fair crediting rules for solar consumers.
What Went Wrong With Net Metering Credits
According to the clarification, the problem mainly affected solar users who had installed systems with capacity higher than the limit approved under their net metering license.
In some recent bills, no credit at all was given for electricity supplied to the grid, even for units generated within the approved capacity. This resulted in unexpectedly high bills and confusion among consumers who were following the net metering system in good faith.
What Has Changed After the Fix
The Power Division has now clarified the correct method for handling such cases.
Revised Credit Rule Explained Simply
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Electricity generated within the approved net metering capacity will be fully credited
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Electricity generated above the approved capacity will not be credited
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Completely blocking all credits is no longer allowed
This correction restores the basic principle of net metering while maintaining regulatory limits.
Who Benefits From This Decision
The revised instructions provide relief to a large number of solar consumers.
Affected Consumers Include
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Households with active net metering connections
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Consumers whose recent bills showed zero or reduced credits
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Solar users who were exporting power within approved capacity
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Residential and small commercial net metering customers
The change ensures that legitimate energy contributions are recognized.
Instructions Issued to Power Distribution Companies
To ensure implementation, the Power Division has issued formal directions to all DISCOs across the country.
These instructions require distribution companies to:
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Apply the revised crediting method immediately
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Restore credits for eligible exported units
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Avoid blanket denial of net metering credits
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Correct billing errors transparently
This step aims to prevent similar billing issues in future cycles.
What About Consumers Already Overbilled
For consumers who were affected in previous billing cycles, the Power Division has provided reassurance.
Billing Adjustments Confirmed
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Incorrectly withheld credits will be adjusted in the next electricity bill
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Consumers do not need to submit separate applications for correction
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Adjustments will be reflected automatically by DISCOs
This means affected users should see relief without visiting offices or filing complaints again.
Why This Decision Matters for Solar Adoption
Net metering plays a key role in encouraging households to invest in solar energy. Billing errors and uncertainty can discourage future adoption and damage trust.
By correcting this issue, the government has:
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Reaffirmed commitment to fair consumer treatment
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Reduced uncertainty for existing solar users
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Supported continued growth of rooftop solar
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Strengthened confidence in net metering policies
Clear rules are essential for long-term energy planning.
What Solar Consumers Should Do Now
Solar users are advised to stay informed and monitor upcoming bills carefully.
Practical Steps
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Check your approved net metering capacity
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Review the next electricity bill for credit adjustments
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Compare exported units with credited units
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Contact your DISCO only if adjustments are missing
Avoid relying on unofficial advice or assumptions.
Short Clarity Section – Common Confusion
Will all solar units be credited now?
Only units generated within the approved capacity will be credited.
Do I need to file a complaint for adjustment?
No. Adjustments will be made automatically.
Is this change permanent?
Yes. The revised method has been officially instructed.
Does this affect new solar applicants?
No. It applies to existing net metering consumers.
Why Capacity Approval Still Matters
While the correction brings relief, consumers are reminded that approved capacity limits remain important. Installing systems beyond licensed capacity can still create issues for grid management and billing.
Consumers planning upgrades should seek approval before expanding system size.
Conclusion
The decision to fix the solar net metering credit error brings timely relief to thousands of consumers who were unfairly overbilled. By restoring credits for electricity generated within approved limits and ordering automatic billing adjustments, the Power Division has corrected a serious flaw in recent billing practices.
Solar consumers should review upcoming bills carefully and remain confident that legitimate energy contributions will now be credited fairly. This step not only protects consumer rights but also supports continued trust in Pakistan’s growing solar energy system.
