PM Orders Review Of Prosumer Regulations 2026

Acting on instructions from Shehbaz Sharif, the Power Division has formally approached the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to revisit the recently announced Prosumer Regulations 2026, according to a report by Business Recorder citing official sources.

The development follows mounting public criticism and concerns voiced by lawmakers and solar consumers regarding amendments introduced under the new regulatory framework, which was officially notified on February 9, 2026.

Quoting a senior Power Division official, BR reported that the prime minister directed the ministry to engage with NEPRA to ensure that the rights and interests of existing net-metering consumers remain protected. The directive underscores the need to preserve contractual entitlements already granted and to avoid placing an unfair financial strain on the wider consumer base.

The Power Division has indicated that approximately 466,000 solar users are currently operating under net-metering arrangements, while more than 38 million consumers continue to rely on the national electricity grid. Authorities have stressed the importance of ensuring that additional costs are not disproportionately transferred to consumers without solar installations.

In its proposal, the ministry recommended that individuals holding valid net-metering licences as of February 9, 2026, should continue to avail themselves of benefits under the previous regulatory structure. However, new applicants would fall under the provisions of the Prosumer Regulations 2026.

The Power Division has further requested that, pending a final determination, electricity distribution companies maintain implementation of the earlier net-metering regime for already licensed consumers.

The matter has sparked widespread debate in recent weeks. Solar users contend that they made significant financial investments in rooftop systems based on the earlier policy environment. Meanwhile, the Power Division argues that the existing net-metering model adds an estimated burden of around Rs3.5 per unit on non-solar consumers and creates operational pressures on grid stability amid increasing solar integration.

NEPRA is now expected to examine the ministry’s request and deliberate on possible revisions to the regulations.