Net Metering in Pakistan 2026 — Complete Guide, Eligibility & How to Apply
🔌 Net Metering in Pakistan 2026 — Complete Guide, Eligibility & How to Apply
Everything you need to know about net metering in Pakistan: how it works, who qualifies, step-by-step application process, all 9 DISCOs covered, billing explained with real numbers, export rates, how much you save — and how to avoid the delays most applicants face.
📅 Updated May 2026 | 🇵🇰 All 9 DISCOs | ⏱️ 10 min read
⚡ NEPRA 2026 Regulations🏢 All 9 DISCOs📋 Complete Checklist💰 Real Savings Data⏱️ DISCO Timelines
1. What is Net Metering and How Does It Work in Pakistan?
Net metering is a NEPRA-approved billing mechanism that lets solar system owners export surplus electricity to the DISCO grid and receive bill credits in return. During the day, your panels power your home — excess goes to the grid. At night you draw from the grid normally. Your monthly bill is calculated on the net difference (what you imported minus what you exported).
2015
NEPRA net metering introduced
9
DISCOs covering all Pakistan
1 MW
Maximum system size allowed
25 yrs
Net metering license duration
How it works in practice — a simple example:
You generate: 5kW solar system in Lahore produces ~530 kWh in May
You consume: Your home uses 650 kWh in May (ACs running)
You export: During daytime when solar exceeds home load → 250 kWh exported to LESCO grid
You import: Nights, cloudy periods → 370 kWh imported from LESCO
Net billed: 370 − 250 = 120 net units charged by LESCO (vs 650 without solar)
Result: Bill drops from ~Rs. 29,000 to ~Rs. 6,500 (after fixed charges)
Important: Net metering does NOT pay you cash for surplus electricity — it only credits future bills. Credits roll forward month-to-month. If you consistently export more than you import, credits accumulate and offset future bills. At annual settlement, unused credits may lapse at avoided cost rate. Best practice: size your system so annual generation ≈ annual consumption.
2. Who is Eligible for Net Metering in Pakistan?
Under NEPRA Net Metering Regulations 2015 (amended 2022 and 2025), eligibility criteria are the same across all DISCOs:
DISCO connection: You must be a consumer of one of the 9 DISCOs — LESCO, IESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO, FESCO, HESCO, PESCO, SEPCO, or K-Electric (Karachi)
System size limit: Your solar system capacity must not exceed your sanctioned load. Check your electricity bill — it shows sanctioned load in kW.
Consumer type: Domestic (residential), commercial, and industrial connections are all eligible
NEPRA-approved inverter: Your inverter must be on NEPRA's approved equipment list — all major brands (GoodWe, Sungrow, Solis, Growatt, Fronius, Huawei, Inverex) qualify; verify your specific model
AEDB-registered installer: System must be installed by an AEDB-registered installer — required for application submission
Maximum capacity: Up to 1,000kW (1MW) per connection
Both single-phase and three-phase: All connection types eligible
⚠️ Sanctioned load check: If you want to install a 7kW system but your sanctioned load is 5kW, you must first apply to your DISCO to increase the sanctioned load — a separate application and fee. Check your electricity bill header for your sanctioned load figure.
3. Step-by-Step Net Metering Application Process
1
Choose an AEDB-Registered Installer
Only AEDB-registered installers can submit net metering applications to DISCOs. Ask for their AEDB certificate number and verify at aedb.org.pk. Also ask: how many net metering applications have they submitted to your specific DISCO? How many approved? DISCO-specific experience matters — IESCO has stricter inspection than LESCO, for example.
Before everything
2
Select Your Inverter — Verify NEPRA Approval
Your inverter must be on NEPRA's approved equipment list. All major brands are listed, but specific model variants can differ. Get written confirmation from your installer that your exact inverter model is approved for your specific DISCO. A rejected inverter during inspection wastes weeks and potentially requires replacement.
Before purchase
3
Install the Solar System
Complete installation per NEPRA technical standards: correct earthing (copper, minimum 3m depth for IESCO), surge protection device (SPD) mandatory, DC and AC wiring per standards, proper disconnection switches. Photograph completed installation — inspector will compare against single-line diagram. Do not apply for net metering before installation is fully complete.
Before application
4
Prepare All Documentation
Your installer prepares technical documents. You prepare personal/connection documents. See Section 4 for complete checklist. Make 3 sets of everything — one for DISCO, one for installer, one for your records. Incomplete documentation is the #1 cause of approval delays — adds 2–4 weeks minimum per re-submission.
Before submission
5
Submit Application at DISCO Customer Service Centre
Your installer submits the complete application at the DISCO CSC covering your connection's area (not just the nearest CSC). Pay the application processing fee. Get a reference number and date-stamped submission receipt — keep this safe. Submit at the fastest CSC for your DISCO: LESCO Gulberg, IESCO G-9, GEPCO GT Road Gujranwala.
Day 1 — approval clock starts
6
DISCO Technical Inspection
DISCO inspection team visits your premises within 2–6 weeks depending on DISCO. Be present with your installer. They check: inverter model vs NEPRA list, single-line diagram accuracy, DC/AC wiring, earthing resistance, SPD, and disconnection switch. Most common rejection reasons: missing SPD, incorrect earthing, inverter model mismatch vs submitted documents.
2–6 weeks after submission
7
Approval + Bi-Directional Meter Installation
After passing inspection, DISCO issues approval letter and schedules bi-directional meter installation. DISCO team replaces your existing electricity meter with a two-way smart meter. This meter records both units imported from grid and units exported from your solar system.
1–3 weeks after inspection
8
First Net Metering Bill — Credits Begin
From the next billing cycle after meter installation, your bill shows both import and export readings. Net metering credits appear as reductions in your monthly energy charges. Your 25-year net metering license is issued. Register your solar panels on manufacturer portals immediately if you haven't already.
Next billing cycle
4. Required Documents — Complete Checklist
📋 You Provide (Personal/Connection)
CNIC copy — electricity account holder
Latest DISCO electricity bill (shows reference no., sanctioned load, address)
Application form (obtain from DISCO CSC or download from DISCO website)
Property ownership proof OR registered tenancy agreement
Passport-size photograph of account holder
NTN (for commercial connections)
🔧 Installer Prepares (Technical)
Single-line electrical diagram of solar installation
AEDB installer registration certificate (must be current)
Installation completion certificate (signed by AEDB installer)
System summary sheet (capacity, panel count, inverter model, connection type)
Pro tip: Photograph every document front and back before submission. DISCO offices occasionally misplace documents — having digital copies and physical backups prevents delays of weeks. Get the submission receipt with date stamp — essential for NEPRA escalation if DISCO delays beyond 8 weeks.
5. Net Metering Government Fees in PKR 2026
Government fees are identical across all 9 DISCOs — the only variation is timing of payment:
Fee Item
Amount (PKR)
Paid To
When
Application Processing Fee
Rs. 3,000–5,000
DISCO (at CSC)
At application submission
Bi-Directional Meter Cost
Rs. 3,500–7,000
DISCO
At meter installation
Meter Sealing Fee
Rs. 1,000–2,000
DISCO
At meter installation
Installer Handling Fee
Rs. 10,000–20,000
Your installer
Part of installation contract
Total Government Fees
Rs. 7,500–14,000
DISCO directly
Split across process
Total All-In Cost
Rs. 17,500–34,000
DISCO + installer
Full net metering process
⚠️ Confirm the installer's net metering handling fee (Rs. 10,000–20,000) is explicitly included in your written installation contract before signing. Some budget installers exclude this and charge separately after installation — a common source of disputes.
6. Net Metering Approval — All 9 DISCOs Pakistan
NEPRA mandates 30-day processing from complete documentation. In practice, most DISCOs take longer. Here's the real-world timeline comparison:
After your bi-directional meter is installed, your monthly DISCO bill changes significantly:
Bill Line Item
What It Means
Example (5kW, Lahore May)
Units Imported
kWh drawn from DISCO grid (nights + cloudy days)
370 units
Units Exported
kWh fed to DISCO grid (daytime solar surplus)
250 units
Net Units Billed
Import − Export = units you pay energy charges on
120 net units
Energy Charges
120 units × tariff rate
~Rs. 5,400 (at Rs. 45/unit)
Fixed Charges
Meter rent, FC surcharge — NOT offset by solar
Rs. 1,500–3,500
Total Bill
Energy + fixed + taxes
~Rs. 8,000–10,000
Pre-solar bill (same usage)
650 units × full tariff
~Rs. 29,000+
⚠️ Fixed charges never go to zero: Meter rent, Fuel Adjustment Charges (FAC), and electricity duty are applied regardless of solar generation. Even if you export more than you import, you'll still pay Rs. 1,500–3,500/month minimum. This is why net metering bills are never Rs. 0 — and why oversizing your system beyond consumption delivers diminishing returns.
8. Net Metering Export Rate in Pakistan 2026
NEPRA revised net metering export rates in 2025–2026 under an updated "avoided cost" framework. Key points for Pakistani consumers:
Avoided cost rate is lower than retail tariff: You pay Rs. 40–70/unit when importing from DISCO (varying by slab). You earn a lower "avoided cost" rate per unit exported. The exact avoided cost rate is set by NEPRA and varies by DISCO — confirm current rate with your DISCO billing department.
Net-billing vs net-metering: Pakistan uses net-metering (unit-for-unit offset within a billing cycle) — exported units offset imported units at 1:1 within the same month, with any surplus rolled forward at avoided cost valuation at annual settlement.
Why it's still financially excellent: Even at avoided cost export rates, the self-consumption savings (avoiding import at full retail tariff during daylight hours) dominate the financial benefit. Most Pakistani solar systems cover 70–90% of daytime consumption directly — that electricity never hits the meter either way.
Verify current rates: Export rates change with NEPRA determinations. Always confirm the current avoided cost rate applicable to your DISCO with your installer and DISCO billing department before finalizing your financial projections.
9. How Much Can You Save with Net Metering?
System
Monthly Generation (Lahore)
Monthly Bill Reduction
Annual Savings
Payback Period
3kW On-Grid
~320 kWh
Rs. 12,000–15,000
~Rs. 1.6 Lac
~2 yrs
5kW On-Grid
~530 kWh
Rs. 20,000–24,000
~Rs. 2.6 Lac
~2 yrs
7kW On-Grid
~745 kWh
Rs. 28,000–33,000
~Rs. 3.7 Lac
~2 yrs
10kW On-Grid
~1,065 kWh
Rs. 40,000–47,000
~Rs. 5.2 Lac
~1.9 yrs
Net metering cost recovery is remarkably fast: The entire net metering application cost (Rs. 17,500–34,000) is recovered from bill savings within just 1–2 months of the first credited bill — even for the smallest 3kW system. Net metering is one of the highest-ROI elements of any solar installation in Pakistan.
City comparison — 5kW system:
City
Monthly Generation
Monthly Savings
Annual Savings
Karachi (6.0 hrs)
~638 kWh
~Rs. 28,700
~Rs. 3.44 Lac
Multan (5.5 hrs)
~585 kWh
~Rs. 26,300
~Rs. 3.16 Lac
Lahore (5.0 hrs)
~530 kWh
~Rs. 23,900
~Rs. 2.87 Lac
Islamabad (4.5 hrs)
~478 kWh
~Rs. 21,500
~Rs. 2.58 Lac
10. Common Net Metering Delays & How to Avoid Them
Incomplete documentation (most common — adds 2–4 weeks): Any missing document causes rejection and full restart. Solution: have installer confirm 100% complete checklist before submission. Make 3 complete sets.
Wrong CSC submission (adds 1–2 weeks): Submit only at the CSC that covers your connection's division — not just the nearest CSC. Check your bill for your division code.
Inspection failure — missing SPD (adds 2–3 weeks): Surge Protection Device is mandatory in most DISCOs. Many budget installers omit it. Confirm SPD is installed before inspection.
Inspection failure — earthing issues (adds 2–3 weeks): IESCO especially checks earthing resistance. Ensure proper copper earthing to at least 3m depth (not just surface clamp). Test earthing resistance before inspection.
Inverter mismatch vs documents (adds 2–3 weeks): Inverter on-site must exactly match the model number submitted in documentation. A different firmware version alone can cause issues with some DISCOs.
Peak season backlog (adds 1–3 weeks): April–July is Pakistan's peak solar installation season — DISCOs are overwhelmed. March applications process 2–3 weeks faster than July applications.
Escalation path: NEPRA mandates 30-day processing from complete documentation. If your DISCO exceeds 8 weeks from complete submission: (1) Call DISCO helpline with reference number. (2) Visit CSC and request solar/net metering supervisor. (3) File formal complaint at nepra.org.pk — NEPRA responds within 15 working days and follows up with DISCO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any consumer connected to one of Pakistan's 9 DISCOs (LESCO, IESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO, FESCO, HESCO, PESCO, SEPCO, K-Electric) is eligible if: their solar system doesn't exceed their sanctioned load, they use a NEPRA-approved inverter, and the system is installed by an AEDB-registered installer. Residential, commercial and industrial connections all qualify. Maximum system size: 1MW. Both single-phase and three-phase connections eligible.
LESCO (Lahore): 4–8 weeks — fastest in Pakistan
IESCO (Islamabad): 5–10 weeks
K-Electric / MEPCO / FESCO: 6–14 weeks
GEPCO: 7–13 weeks
HESCO / PESCO: 8–16 weeks
SEPCO: 10–18 weeks — slowest
Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays — ensure 100% complete submission for fastest processing.
Make 3 complete sets. Get date-stamped submission receipt.
Application processing: Rs. 3,000–5,000 (paid to DISCO at submission)
Bi-directional meter: Rs. 3,500–7,000 (paid to DISCO at installation)
Meter sealing: Rs. 1,000–2,000 (paid to DISCO)
Total DISCO fees: Rs. 7,500–14,000
Installer handling fee: Rs. 10,000–20,000 (should be in installation contract)
Total: Rs. 17,500–34,000
No — fixed charges (meter rent, Fuel Adjustment Charges, taxes) are applied regardless of solar generation. These typically amount to Rs. 1,500–3,500/month on a residential connection. Even if you export more than you import every month, you still pay these fixed charges. For a well-sized system, net metering reduces bills by 70–90% — from Rs. 20,000–40,000/month to Rs. 2,000–7,000/month. Not zero, but a dramatic reduction.
Yes — fully compatible. Hybrid inverters with battery store excess solar first (to use during load-shedding), then export remaining surplus to the grid for net metering credits. During load-shedding: inverter runs on solar + battery, no grid interaction. When grid returns: resumes normal net metering export. All major hybrid inverters (GoodWe ES, Sungrow SH, Solis RHI, Growatt SPH) support this on all Pakistani DISCOs.
Step 6: DISCO inspection mein haazir rahein apne installer ke saath
Step 7: Approval ke baad DISCO bi-directional meter lagata hai
Step 8: Agly bill se net metering credits shuru!
Yes — commercial and industrial connections are fully eligible for NEPRA net metering. The process is identical to residential with possible additional requirements (load study for systems above 10kW, three-phase bi-directional meter for 3-phase connections). Commercial tariff rates (Rs. 50–80/unit) are often higher than residential — making net metering even more financially attractive for businesses. Commercial net metering typically takes 8–16 weeks due to additional documentation and technical verification.
Call DISCO helpline every 2 weeks with your application reference number
Visit CSC in person — request to speak with the solar/net metering supervisor
If beyond 8 weeks from complete submission: file formal complaint at nepra.org.pk — NEPRA mandates 30-day processing and will follow up with DISCO within 15 working days
Keep your date-stamped submission receipt as evidence of when you applied
Net metering licenses in Pakistan are issued for 25 years — matching the standard solar panel performance warranty period. After 25 years, you can apply for renewal. The license is tied to your electricity connection and can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your property (requires DISCO transfer application). NEPRA may update net metering regulations over this period — existing approved systems are typically grandfathered under their original approval terms.
Use our solar calculator to size your system — then connect with a verified AEDB-registered installer who handles the complete net metering application process for your DISCO.
