Power Division Orders Fast Clearance of Solar Net-Metering Cases

The Power Division has directed electricity distribution companies to clear a backlog of 1,355 pending solar net-metering applications within a period of 10 days after taking notice of prolonged delays in processing and energising consumer connections, according to a report published by Dawn citing an official directive.

The ministry has additionally instructed all distribution companies to suspend bonuses of officers allegedly responsible for creating unnecessary obstacles and administrative delays in the approval and implementation of net-metering applications.

The directives were issued after the Power Information Technology Company informed the ministry that former Wapda-linked distribution companies had slowed processing of net-metering applications amid regulatory changes relating to prosumer frameworks.

According to officials, the pending matters relate to applications submitted prior to February 8 that remained unresolved for periods exceeding six months.

Authorities stated that the data was compiled through transformer-tagging records alongside complaints registered through the government’s 118 helpline complaint portal.

The report further identified issues relating to incorrect transformer tagging against consumers, resulting in abnormal sanctioned loads being reflected against transformers and causing rejection of net-metering and billing cases.

The ministry also observed that delays in addressing electricity outage complaints beyond timelines prescribed by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority remained significantly high.

Following instructions issued by the federal power minister, all distribution companies were directed to complete installation and energisation of the remaining net-metering connections by June 1.

The Power Division further decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against underperforming superintending engineers, executive engineers, and sub-divisional officers linked to operational delays.

Officials additionally stated that bonuses of officers involved in unnecessary delays relating to net-metering approvals, net-billing installations, and complaint resolution mechanisms would also be withheld.

The backlog reportedly began accumulating late last year after NEPRA initiated hearings concerning rooftop solar regulations amid concerns raised by the Power Division regarding pressure on the national grid due to declining electricity demand.

The Power Division later clarified that the principal challenge was associated with behind-the-meter consumption and the rapid growth in the number of protected electricity consumers during the past three years.

Following implementation of revised prosumer regulations by NEPRA effective February 8, the existing net-metering regime was transitioned toward a net-billing framework.

Subsequently, the Power Division requested NEPRA to continue safeguarding existing net-metering consumers until expiry of their agreements and assured applicants that cases already submitted would not face discriminatory treatment under the revised regulatory structure.