Everything you need to know about FESCO net metering in Faisalabad / Sargodha: step-by-step application, complete documents checklist, exact fees in PKR, inspection timeline, billing explained, savings calculator and what to do if FESCO delays your application.
FESCO (Faisalabad Electric Supply Company) supplies electricity to Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Mianwali. Net metering under NEPRA's regulations is available across all FESCO territory for residential, commercial and industrial consumers.
Only AEDB-registered installers can submit FESCO net metering applications. Verify AEDB certificate before signing any contract. Ask for their FESCO net metering track record — prior approved applications in your area indicate familiarity with FESCO's specific requirements.
Before everythingComplete solar installation per NEPRA technical standards. Inverter must be on FESCO's approved list. All wiring, earthing, protection devices (SPD, MCB) must meet standards. Photograph the completed installation — FESCO inspectors may compare against single-line diagram.
Before applicationYour installer compiles all technical documents and submits with your personal documents at the FESCO Customer Service Centre covering your area. Pay the application processing fee. Get the reference number and submission date in writing — keep this safe for follow-up.
Day 1 — 6–12 weeks clock startsFESCO's inspection team visits your premises. Be present with your installer. They check: inverter model vs approved list, DC/AC wiring, earthing, surge protection device (SPD), disconnection switches, and overall installation quality. Ensure everything matches your submitted single-line diagram.
3–6 weeks after submissionAfter passing inspection, FESCO issues approval and schedules bi-directional meter installation. The new meter records both imported and exported units. Net metering credits begin from the next billing cycle. Your 25-year net metering license is issued.
2–4 weeks after inspectionMake 3 complete sets of all documents. Keep submission receipt with date stamp. Photograph every document before submission. Incomplete applications are the primary cause of delays — get everything right first time.
| Fee Item | Amount (PKR) | Paid To | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | Rs. 3,000–5,000 | FESCO (at CSC) | Application submission |
| Bi-Directional Meter | Rs. 3,500–7,000 | FESCO | Meter installation |
| Meter Sealing Fee | Rs. 1,000–2,000 | FESCO | Meter installation |
| Installer Handling Fee | Rs. 10,000–20,000 | Your installer | In installation contract |
| Total Government Fees | Rs. 7,500–14,000 | FESCO directly | Split across process |
Confirm the installer's net metering handling fee is explicitly included in your written installation contract before signing. Some budget installers exclude this and charge separately later.
Always submit at the CSC covering your connection's division. Check your FESCO electricity bill header for your division code. Submitting to the wrong CSC causes redirection delays of 1–2 weeks.
After bi-directional meter installation, your monthly bill changes significantly:
| Bill Item | Meaning | Example (5kW system) |
|---|---|---|
| Units Imported | Electricity drawn from FESCO grid | ~270 units/month |
| Units Exported | Excess solar exported to grid | ~260 units/month |
| Net Units | Import minus export (what you pay for) | ~10 net units |
| Energy Charges | Net units × tariff rate | ~Rs. 450 |
| Fixed Charges | Meter rent + surcharges (NOT offset by solar) | Rs. 1,500–3,500 |
| Total Bill | Energy + fixed + taxes | ~Rs. 3,000–6,000 |
| Pre-solar bill | Without solar (same consumption) | ~Rs. 24,000+ |
FESCO processes net metering applications at the Canal Road CSC. Ensure your installer has prior FESCO net metering approvals — some smaller installers are unfamiliar with FESCO's specific document requirements.
FESCO area has 5.0 peak sun hours/day — good solar resource.
| System Size | Monthly Generation | Monthly Bill Reduction | Annual Savings | Payback (On-Grid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~318 kWh | Rs. 14,340–15,535 | ~Rs. 172,200 | ~2 yrs |
| 5 kW | ~531 kWh/month | ~Rs. 23,900/month | ~Rs. 2.87 Lac/year | ~2 yrs |
| 7 kW | ~743 kWh | Rs. 33,460–35,850 | ~Rs. 401,800 | ~2 yrs |
| 10 kW | ~1062 kWh | Rs. 47,800–50,190 | ~Rs. 574,000 | ~1.9 yrs |
After 15% system losses. Savings at Rs. 45/unit. Load-shedding areas: add Rs. 10,000–20,000/month hybrid generator savings.
FESCO's industrial connections often have higher sanctioned loads — commercial solar above 10kW is very viable. For residential buyers, the strong textile industry demand for installers means competitive pricing and good expertise in Faisalabad city. Outstation areas (Jhang, Mianwali) should verify local installer capability for net metering applications before committing.
Faisalabad city: 8–12 hrs. Sargodha: 8–12 hrs. Jhang/TTS: 10–14 hrs. Mianwali/Khushab: 12–16 hrs.
For most FESCO residential buyers: GoodWe ES/EM hybrid inverter is the top recommendation — sub-20ms switching handles Pakistan's sudden load-shedding, generator input is critical for FESCO's outage hours, and SEMS monitoring lets you track generation from your phone. Solis RHI is the best budget alternative. Avoid on-grid inverters in any FESCO area with 6+ hours daily load-shedding.
FESCO net metering typically takes 6–12 weeks: Faisalabad city 6–9 weeks. Sargodha 7–11 weeks. Outstation offices (Jhang, Mianwali) 10–14 weeks. Submit at the Canal Road CSC in Faisalabad for fastest processing. Ensure documents are complete — incomplete applications add 2–4 weeks.
Strongly yes. Faisalabad has 5.0 peak sun hours (same as Lahore), 8–14 hours daily load-shedding in most areas, and high electricity bills from heavy appliance use. A 5kW hybrid system with 10kWh battery saves Rs. 35,000–45,000/month (electricity + generator) with 2.5–3.5 year payback.
CNIC copy (account holder), latest FESCO bill, application form (FESCO CSC se milega), single-line diagram (installer banata hai), inverter NEPRA approval certificate, solar panel datasheets, AEDB installer certificate, installation completion certificate.
Yes — industrial and commercial connections in FESCO territory are eligible for net metering. Three-phase systems require 3-phase inverters and 3-phase bi-directional meters. Large systems (above 100kW) may require NEPRA licence separately. Contact FESCO's engineering department for large commercial applications.
GoodWe ES/EM hybrid is recommended for Faisalabad residential — widest local dealer presence, sub-20ms switching for 8–14 hour load-shedding, and generator input for extended outages. Solis RHI is a good budget alternative with strong Faisalabad availability. Avoid on-grid inverters in areas with 8+ hours daily outage.
Government fees: Application Rs. 3,000–5,000 + Bi-directional meter Rs. 3,500–7,000 + sealing Rs. 1,000–2,000 = total Rs. 7,500–14,000 directly to FESCO. Your installer's net metering handling fee: Rs. 10,000–20,000 (should be in contract). Timeline: 6–12 weeks depending on your area within FESCO territory.
Connect with an AEDB-registered installer experienced with FESCO applications in your area.
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