NEPRA Net Metering in Pakistan — Complete 2026 Guide
Net metering lets you sell the extra electricity your solar panels make back to your electricity company (DISCO) and cut your bill to almost nothing. Here is exactly how it works in Pakistan, what documents you need, the step-by-step process, the cost, and how long it takes.
What is net metering?
During the day your solar system often produces more power than your home uses. With a bidirectional (two-way) meter, that surplus flows back into the grid and your meter runs backwards — building up credit units. At night, or when your panels under-produce, you draw from the grid and those credits are deducted. At the end of the billing cycle you only pay for your net usage.
In short: the grid becomes your "free battery." This is why on-grid and hybrid systems with net metering have such short payback periods in Pakistan.
Who regulates it?
Net metering is governed by NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) under its distributed generation regulations, and administered by your local DISCO — LESCO (Lahore), K-Electric (Karachi), IESCO (Islamabad), MEPCO (Multan), FESCO (Faisalabad), GEPCO, PESCO, HESCO and others.
Eligibility requirements
- System size between 1 kW and 1 MW.
- A three-phase connection is required — in practice this means a sanctioned load of around 5 kW or more. Many homeowners upgrade their connection to three-phase first.
- The inverter must be a grid-tie or hybrid inverter with anti-islanding protection and the relevant certification.
- Installation by a competent, ideally AEDB/NEPRA-recognised, installer.
Documents you'll need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| CNIC copy | Of the electricity connection owner |
| Latest paid electricity bill | Connection must be in the applicant's name |
| Application form | Provided by your DISCO |
| System design / single-line diagram | Prepared by your installer |
| Equipment datasheets | Panels and inverter specifications & certificates |
| Property documents | Ownership or authorisation proof |
The net metering process — step by step
- Size and install your system. Decide your system size first — use our free load calculator to get the right kW, then have a qualified installer set it up with a grid-tie or hybrid inverter.
- Submit the application to your DISCO with all the documents above and the prescribed fee.
- Technical review. The DISCO checks your single-line diagram, equipment and load against NEPRA rules.
- Site inspection. A DISCO team visits to verify the installation, safety and wiring.
- Agreement & meter installation. You sign the net metering agreement and a bidirectional meter is installed.
- Go live. Your system is energised and your meter starts banking export credits.
Cost and timeline
The process usually takes 30–90 days end to end, depending on your DISCO's backlog and inspection schedule. Budget a one-time cost in the range of PKR 30,000–60,000 for the bidirectional meter, processing and any connection upgrade — small compared with the lifetime savings.
Net metering and load shedding
Important: a pure on-grid net metering system switches off during a power outage for safety (anti-islanding). If you want power during load shedding and net metering, you need a hybrid system with a battery — it runs your home from solar + battery during outages and still exports surplus when the grid is up. Compare all three options in our solar system price guide.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does net metering approval take?
- Typically 30–90 days through your DISCO, depending on documentation and the inspection schedule.
- What is the minimum system size?
- Systems from 1 kW to 1 MW qualify, but a three-phase connection is required — usually a sanctioned load of 5 kW or more.
- Does net metering work during load shedding?
- No — on-grid systems shut down during outages for safety. Use a hybrid system with a battery to keep power and still net-meter.
- Can I net-meter on a single-phase connection?
- Generally no; most DISCOs require a three-phase connection. Many homeowners upgrade to three-phase as part of the process.