The Renewable Energy Association of Pakistan (REAP) has requested the federal government to consult it as a key stakeholder in the clean power sector to obtain expert input before finalizing the revision of net-metering terms and conditions in the country. The Chairman of REAP, Nasir Latif, recently sent a letter to the Federal Energy Minister, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, emphasizing this need. The REAP believes that the government should revise the rules and regulations in a way that does not hinder its goal of maximizing clean energy production in the country, while also ensuring minimal impact on the national economy. Additionally, the revised net-metering regime should not penalize electricity consumers who have chosen to install rooftop solar power systems to contribute to increasing renewable energy production in the country. The letter recognized Awais Leghari’s previous efforts as the Federal Energy Minister in refining and implementing the net-metering regime, emphasizing the importance of continuing this process to enhance the system for the benefit of the economy, power consumers, and the government’s clean energy objectives. The REAP acknowledged that it lacks access to the latest data on the clean energy market, indicating that its recommendations for improving the net-metering regime are not supported by relevant statistics. Furthermore, the REAP suggested that power sector distribution companies should adjust their models to accommodate consumers transitioning to the net-metering regime, enabling them to align with the requirements of the evolving clean energy landscape.
It was noted that under the current system, power consumers who switch to the net-metering system receive grid-supplied electricity and receive monthly bills from the DISCOs for their electricity consumption and clean power generation from their rooftop solar systems. The REAP also stated in the letter that the growth of the solar energy sector has been highly beneficial for the national economy by creating a significant number of job opportunities and serving as a substitute for fossil fuel imports for electricity generation in the country. It was mentioned that corrective actions need to be taken to ensure the stability of the national grid and prevent it from tripping due to the additional load on transmission and distribution systems during peak electricity demand after sunset when solar energy is no longer available. The REAP expressed its intention to formally provide recommendations to the federal government to reconsider the net-metering system so that the revised arrangement would benefit all stakeholders in the energy sector.
REAP urges the federal government to consult it before revising net-metering rules
