Solar System Licensing Issue Falls Under NEPRA Jurisdiction: Power Division Clarifies

Lahore: The Power Division spokesperson has clarified that the licensing matter related to solar systems falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), stating that it is a regulatory issue and not a federal government directive.
According to the spokesperson, NEPRA has established regulations regarding licensing requirements, and distribution companies are responsible for their implementation. The statement emphasized that linking licensing requirements to federal government orders is incorrect and misleading.
The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that a license would be mandatory for installing solar systems under revised policies. The Power Division further stated that no official stance was taken by the federal government or the Power Division in the reported claims.
Meanwhile, sources within NEPRA indicated that under the revised framework, users generating electricity through solar systems would be required to obtain a license. Previously, consumers installing systems up to 25 kilowatts could receive licenses through distribution companies, often on a free-of-cost basis.
Under the new revisions, users will now reportedly be required to pay a fee to NEPRA based on system capacity, estimated at around Rs. 1,000 per kilowatt. Additionally, consumers will also need to submit a pay order in NEPRA’s name as part of the licensing process.
The updated regulations are said to allow connection under the net billing system. However, users of hybrid solar technology systems may be exempt from obtaining a NEPRA license for installation.
The proposed changes have sparked political reaction, with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Palwasha Khan strongly criticizing the move, calling the mandatory licensing requirement “equivalent to daylight robbery.” She urged the government to ease the burden on citizens instead of making life more difficult.