Power Division Reviews Solar User Fee Policy Amid Rising Demand and Prices

The Power Division has decided to review the issue of fee collection from solar users and has recommended changes to the existing policy framework.

Energy Minister Awais Leghari has suggested abolishing fees for solar consumers using up to 25 kilowatts, stating that such measures could hinder the government’s renewable energy promotion policy.

The Power Division has formally approached NEPRA to remove the licensing fee requirement, while also expressing reservations over the new regulatory rules introduced by the authority. Officials have proposed reverting to the 2015 solar regulations.

According to the Power Division, the solar industry has also rejected the newly introduced regulations, and the government is working to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles in the sector.

Meanwhile, with rising temperatures, demand for solar energy has increased significantly, leading to a sharp rise in the prices of solar panels in the market. Dealers say higher import costs and increased demand have made solar equipment more expensive, directly affecting consumers.

Citizens have also expressed concern over current policies, stating that net metering is becoming less beneficial and discouraging investment in on-grid solar systems. Many users now prefer off-grid and hybrid systems due to policy uncertainty and rising costs.