PM Sharif halts anti-net metering campaign for third time

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a halt to the government’s campaign against the net metering policy for the third time.

The decision was made even before any official summary regarding price revisions reached his office.

A senior Power Division official confirmed that the Prime Minister’s Office directed them to stop the campaign.

The plan was to prepare a public narrative through the Ministry of Information and then present a summary to the cabinet. But, for the third time, instructions were given to withdraw.

According to the official, previous campaigns have slowed the growth of net metering. However, hybrid solar systems are expanding rapidly without control. These hybrid systems do not benefit the national grid and are increasing the problem of surplus energy during the daytime.

Read more: Revised net metering policy to be launched within a month: minister

Earlier, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved changes to the purchase price of electricity under net metering. But the federal cabinet rejected the proposal after strong public and civil society criticism.

On July 10, Energy Minister Awais Leghari said a revised net metering policy would be presented after stakeholder consultation.

He proposed increasing the payback period for investment in solar systems from 1.5 years to 2–3 years.

He warned that without action, solar system expansion would worsen surplus electricity issues. Reducing net metering and excess power sales could help bring balance to the grid.