A detailed comparison of net metering and the proposed gross metering system in Pakistan and what it means for solar panel owners.
If you're thinking about installing a solar system to offset your rising Mepco bill, you must understand the changing regulatory landscape. The government is actively discussing a shift from "Net Metering" to "Gross Metering". But what does this mean for your wallet?
Currently, Net Metering allows residential users to essentially spin their meter backward, acting as a massive buffer against high tariff rates. Under Gross Metering, all solar electricity generated is pushed straight to the grid and compensated at a fixed, lower rate, while whatever you locally consume is billed at the standard high rate on your Mepco bill.
The core issue revolves around "capacity charges" paid to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). As more upper-middle-class homes switch to solar and drop off the grid, the financial burden of these fixed capacity charges falls disproportionately on lower-income households. The proposed gross metering policy aims to force solar users to still contribute financially to the grid's upkeep.
If you have been delaying, now is the time to apply for a solar new connection upgrade while Net Metering is still legally available for new applicants. Contracts signed now are often grandfathered in for a set period (usually 3-7 years) before any mandatory policy shift occurs.