Everything you need to know about MEPCO net metering in Multan / South Punjab: step-by-step application, complete documents checklist, exact fees in PKR, inspection timeline, billing explained, savings calculator and what to do if MEPCO delays your application.
MEPCO (Multan Electric Power Company) supplies electricity to Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Lodhran, Vehari, Khanewal, Sahiwal. Net metering under NEPRA's regulations is available across all MEPCO territory for residential, commercial and industrial consumers.
Only AEDB-registered installers can submit MEPCO net metering applications. Verify AEDB certificate before signing any contract. Ask for their MEPCO net metering track record — prior approved applications in your area indicate familiarity with MEPCO's specific requirements.
Before everythingComplete solar installation per NEPRA technical standards. Inverter must be on MEPCO's approved list. All wiring, earthing, protection devices (SPD, MCB) must meet standards. Photograph the completed installation — MEPCO inspectors may compare against single-line diagram.
Before applicationYour installer compiles all technical documents and submits with your personal documents at the MEPCO 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 startsMEPCO'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, MEPCO 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 | MEPCO (at CSC) | Application submission |
| Bi-Directional Meter | Rs. 3,500–7,000 | MEPCO | Meter installation |
| Meter Sealing Fee | Rs. 1,000–2,000 | MEPCO | Meter installation |
| Installer Handling Fee | Rs. 10,000–20,000 | Your installer | In installation contract |
| Total Government Fees | Rs. 7,500–14,000 | MEPCO 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 MEPCO 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 MEPCO 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+ |
MEPCO export rates follow NEPRA avoided cost framework. High industrial tariffs (Rs. 55–80/unit) make commercial net metering especially attractive. Confirm current export rate with MEPCO billing department.
MEPCO area has 5.5 peak sun hours/day — good solar resource.
| System Size | Monthly Generation | Monthly Bill Reduction | Annual Savings | Payback (On-Grid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~351 kWh | Rs. 15,795–17,111 | ~Rs. 189,600 | ~2 yrs |
| 5 kW | ~585 kWh/month | ~Rs. 26,325/month | ~Rs. 3.16 Lac/year | ~2 yrs |
| 7 kW | ~819 kWh | Rs. 36,855–39,487 | ~Rs. 442,399 | ~2 yrs |
| 10 kW | ~1170 kWh | Rs. 52,650–55,282 | ~Rs. 632,000 | ~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.
MEPCO covers Pakistan's extreme heat zones. GoodWe ES hybrid (sub-20ms, generator input) is strongly recommended for MEPCO's 10–18 hour daily load-shedding. For DG Khan and Rajanpur extreme heat (48–52°C): LONGi Hi-MO 9 N-Type panels provide measurably better performance — the premium is justified here.
Multan city: 8–12 hrs. Bahawalpur: 8–12 hrs. DG Khan/Rajanpur: 10–16 hrs. Rural MEPCO: 14–18 hrs.
For most MEPCO 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 MEPCO'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 MEPCO area with 6+ hours daily load-shedding.
6–12 weeks. Multan: 6–9 weeks. Bahawalpur: 7–11 weeks. DG Khan/RYK: 10–14 weeks. Remote rural: 12–16 weeks. Submit at Multan Abdali Road CSC. Escalate to nepra.org.pk if delayed beyond 8 weeks from complete submission.
Strongly yes. 5.5 sun hours + 8–18 hour shedding + high bills = exceptional ROI. 5kW hybrid in Multan saves Rs. 38,000–50,000/month. Payback 2–3 years.
For DG Khan/Rajanpur (48–52°C): N-Type TOPCon strongly recommended — LONGi Hi-MO 9 or JA Solar DeepBlue N-Type. At 80°C roof temperature, N-Type produces 5–8% more than P-Type. Worth the premium in extreme heat. For Multan/Bahawalpur: JA Solar P-Type remains best value.
CNIC copy, latest MEPCO bill, application form, single-line diagram, inverter NEPRA certificate, panel datasheets, AEDB installer certificate, installation completion certificate. Tin complete sets banao. Submission receipt zaroor lo.
GoodWe ES/EM hybrid: sub-20ms + generator input — perfect for MEPCO's extreme load-shedding. For remote rural areas needing off-grid: Solis RHI. Avoid on-grid inverters across virtually all MEPCO territory.
Yes — all MEPCO territory is eligible. Outstation offices: 12–16 weeks. Limited AEDB installer access in remote areas. For 16–18 hour shedding: off-grid system often more practical than waiting for MEPCO net metering.
Connect with an AEDB-registered installer experienced with MEPCO applications in your area.
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