Pakistan’s Power Division has moved to review the issue of fee collection from solar consumers amid rising electricity load shedding.
The development comes as solar demand surges and prices climb in local markets.
Energy Minister Awais Leghari has issued instructions recommending the removal of fees for solar users up to 25 kilowatts (kW). The move is being seen as an effort to support small-scale solar adoption.
NEPRA rules under review
In a formal communication, the Power Division has requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to remove the license fee condition for small solar consumers.
Officials also expressed reservations over NEPRA’s newly introduced regulations, arguing that such measures could slow down the adoption of renewable energy.
The Power Division further proposed restoring the solar regulatory framework of 2015, calling it more supportive for consumers and industry growth.
Solar industry reaction
According to the Power Division, both consumers and the solar industry have rejected the new regulatory framework.
Officials warned that excessive fees and licensing conditions could discourage investment in renewable energy.
Energy Minister Awais Leghari stated that such policies may hinder the government’s broader renewable energy goals, stressing the need to remove bureaucratic hurdles.
Meanwhile, residents in Multan are facing increased unannounced electricity load shedding, which has pushed more people toward solar solutions.
As demand for solar systems rises, citizens report a sharp increase in prices.
A local resident said:
“Load shedding is becoming very common these days, that’s why people are installing solar systems, but now it has become expensive. What should we do?”
Solar prices surge in Pakistan
Shopkeepers say the surge in demand, combined with rising import costs, has significantly increased the prices of solar panels, inverters, and batteries.
Muhammad Zain, a local solar trader, explained:
“Since the start of load shedding, solar work has increased a lot. Panels, batteries, and inverters have become expensive because demand is high and supply is limited.”
