Net Metering in Pakistan

LESCO Net Metering Application Requirements

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Consumer Category:

  • Residential (1Φ/3Φ)

  • Commercial

  • Industrial

• System Capacity:

  • Minimum: 1kW

  • Maximum: Up to 1MW (for DISCO approval)

2. Required Documents

3. Technical Requirements

• Metering:

  • Bi-directional meter (provided by LESCO, cost: PKR 12,000-15,000)

  • Existing meter must be replaced if not net-metering compatible.

• Inverter Compliance:

  • Must have anti-islanding protection (IEEE 1547 standard)

  • LESCO-approved brands: Fronius, Huawei, Solis, Growatt

• Voltage/Frequency:

  • 220V ±10% (Single-phase)

  • 400V ±10% (Three-phase)

  • 50Hz ±0.5%

4. Application Process

1. Submit Documents:

   • In person at LESCO’s Net Metering Cell (Gulberg, Lahore)

   • Online via LESCO Customer Portal

2. Inspection:

   • LESCO team verifies system safety & compliance (within 15 days).

3. Agreement Signing:

   • 3-year contract (renewable).

4. Meter Installation:

   • Done by LESCO (takes 7-10 days post-approval).

5. Fees & Charges

6. Important Notes

• Export Limit:

  • Maximum 100% of monthly import (excess is forfeited, not paid).

• Battery Restriction:

  • Hybrid systems allowed, but no backup during load-shedding (must disconnect from grid).

• Tax Implications:

  • 17% GST applies on imported solar equipment.

7. Timeline

• Approval: 4-6 weeks (if documents are complete).

• System Commissioning: Within 2 weeks of meter installation.

8. Rejection Reasons

 Incomplete SLD diagram
Non-compliant inverter (e.g., off-grid models)
Unstable rooftop structure

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Pro Tips for Smooth Approval

Hire a LESCO-certified installer (list available at AEDB)
Pre-inspection audit (avoid last-minute fixes)
Keep export ratio ≤80% (avoids scrutiny)

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Common Delays & Solutions

• Delay: Missing engineer stamps

  • Fix: Use only PEC-licensed engineers.

• Delay: Meter not available

  • Fix: Escalate via LESCO’s SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer).

This checklist ensures hassle-free net metering approval from LESCO. Need help with document preparation or system design? Let me know your location and system size! 🚀

 

What is Net Metering Solar System?

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. … If the home is net-metered, the bi-directional electricity meter will measure the energy that goes into the grid, the sold units will get credited against off-peak units in consumer bill.

Many of us don’t know about Net Metering in Pakistan allowed  but it’s something very important to know. We used to face energy crisis on daily basis.  Net metering is a kind billing mechanism, credits are added to the account of the owner. Who is providing additional energy to the grid?
Basically, the owner is producing his own electricity from renewable solar energy and adding extra energy to the grid system. For example, if a residential customer has a PV system on the home’s rooftop, it may generate more electricity than the home uses during daylight hours. If the home is net-metered, the electricity meter will run backward to provide a credit against what electricity is consumed at night or other periods where the home’s electricity use exceeds the system’s output. Customers are only billed for their “net” energy use. On average, only 40-50% of a solar energy system’s output ever goes into the grid.

Net Metering in Pakistan

Recently Pakistan has updated its net metering guidelines. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi officially launched the changes at a ceremony in Islamabad on January 3. In his address he explained about the upcoming technology and how can we get maximum benefit from Net metering. In addition to this, he explained about the equipment quality that is improving day by day. Government is giving much importance to improve the energy crises, in order to achieve the best results Net metering Pakistan is doing hard work. It actually shows the importance of Net metering in our country.
Improvements in Net Metering
Overall, the system is said to have been simplified, while net metering connections can now be gained in less than one month. Which is good for the people, those who want to invest in net metering. The key aspect now is to make the system more efficient and reduce the cost of generation, of which net metering is part of the plan.

Net Metering in Solar System

Pakistan first introduced a net metering scheme on September 1, 2015. According to Net Metering Pakistan, as of last March 20, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) had connected 56 net metering systems and imported nearly 6 MWh of electricity. Indeed, this is a good step to get rid of the energy crisis in Pakistan.
Opportunity for Customers to Control Over their Electricity Bills:
This process allows the customers to produce their own electricity efficiently and most importantly to generate electricity legally and with the help of Government. It’s a win-win situation to both Government as well as utility customers, those who are generating their own electricity. Net metering will allow them to export extra energy to the grid. In result of this, their future bill will be reduced in future. In many other countries, with the help of Net metering, they are generating revenue in billions. Because of this, Government has to invest less and gain more with the help of many other solar energy systems. From those who are providing additional energy into the grid. Which is helping to generate more power for the country.

Creating an opportunity for Jobs and Encouraging Private Investment:

Net meter
ing is helping Government by creating opportunities for jobs. Net metering is attracting many big private companies to invest and earn money by providing solar energy to the grid. Because of this, they will surely need the man’s power. In result of this, they hire employees. In America, there are thousands of employees working under the net metering system. And earning by installing the solar system for utility clients. Net metering is helping many people those who are directly or indirectly involve in this.
Reduce Government Burden:
The Government of Punjab is also looking to up the solar energy system. Government Officials are well aware of, how can they reduce Government burden. By providing an opportunity to the utility customers to install a solar system and adding additional energy to the grid.
It is looking to install solar PV rooftop systems on all basic health units (2,400), schools (20,000) and public buildings in the province. In upcoming years, they will help a lot to reduce the Government burden on generating energy. Our Government is putting the focus on this, all we have to do now is to understand about this process. Indeed, installing a solar energy system on the home’s rooftop is very helpful.

 

LESCO Net Metering Helpline

• Phone: 042-99201234 (Ext. 451)

• Email: netmetering@lesco.gov.pk

• Office: 8th Floor, LESCO HQ, Lahore