High electricity costs prompted a significant shift in consumer preferences towards solar energy, leading to a surge in net metering applications across Pakistan.
The volume of applications exceeded the national grid's total energy production capacity, highlighting a growing trend of reliance on renewable energy.
According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), over 58,822 megawatts worth of net metering applications remained pending with distribution companies (DISCOs). This figure surpassed the country's total electricity generation capacity of 46,000 megawatts.
Faisalabad emerged as the leading region in solar energy adoption, followed by Islamabad, Karachi, Gujranwala, and Lahore. In Faisalabad, 871 net metering applications with a combined capacity of 12,399 megawatts awaited approval.
Islamabad accounted for 1,363 pending applications, totalling 12,276 megawatts, while Karachi saw 773 applications, representing over 10,000 megawatts.
Gujranwala recorded 117 applications with a capacity of 6,282 megawatts, and Lahore had 699 pending applications amounting to 6,143 megawatts. The data indicated a widespread interest in solar energy solutions amid soaring power bills.
The NEPRA reported delays in approvals due to procedural hurdles and higher net metering tariffs. Companies allegedly employed delaying tactics, discouraging small-scale solar consumers. The authority urged policymakers to prioritise small-scale solar installations over large projects and implement a revised, balanced tariff structure to encourage broader adoption.
Moreover, the findings underscored a nationwide trend towards energy independence, as consumers increasingly turned to renewable sources to offset high electricity expenses.
