ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Khan Leghari on Tuesday defended recent regulatory changes relating to solar net-metering while responding to a Senate resolution seeking protection for rooftop solar users and alignment of proposed regulations with national renewable energy policy.
The resolution was later deferred after debate in the upper house.
The resolution, moved by Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, expressed concern over the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (Nepra) draft Prosumer Regulations, 2025, arguing that the proposed framework could discourage citizen investment in rooftop solar and undermine country’s renewable energy transition.
Responding to the debate, Leghari said the changes under discussion were regulatory adjustments rather than a policy shift, noting that revising electricity regulations falls within the regulator’s legal mandate.
He maintained that existing contracts had not been altered retrospectively and would remain valid until their expiry.
The minister said Pakistan had more than 34 million electricity consumers, with roughly 466,000 net-metering users generating about 7,000MW through rooftop solar systems.
He argued that maintaining higher buyback rates for a relatively small group could place an additional financial burden on the majority of consumers who lack access to rooftop solar installations.
According to the minister, aligning buyback rates more closely with the average cost of electricity generation was necessary to ensure fairness across consumers.
He added that consultations with industry stakeholders, including solar associations and business groups, had taken place over the past year regarding the proposed regulatory adjustments.
Leghari also highlighted broader power sector reforms, including efforts to reduce reliance on imported fuels, renegotiate certain IPP contracts and improve efficiency in electricity distribution companies.
He said these steps were aimed at stabilising tariffs and reducing financial pressure on consumers.
On renewable energy goals, the minister said Pakistan had made progress in increasing the share of cleaner energy sources in electricity generation and remained committed to expanding renewable capacity in line with climate commitments.
Despite differing views expressed during the debate, the Senate deferred the resolution for further consideration.