Most people in Lahore still call it "net metering" or "green meter". Since February 2026, the formal system for new connections is net billing under the NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026. The application still goes to LESCO, and your solar installer usually handles it. This guide explains what changed and how the process works.
What changed in 2026
| Old net metering (2015 rules) | Prosumer Regulations 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| How units are counted | Exported and imported units netted one-for-one | Exports bought at national average energy purchase price; imports charged at consumer tariff |
| Agreement term | Seven years | Five years, renewable by mutual consent |
| Maximum size | Up to 1 MW | Up to 1 MW and limited to sanctioned load |
| Interconnection costs | Varied | Paid by the prosumer, including meters |
Sources: Nukta, Toolsfluent.
Existing net metering consumers stay on their old terms until their agreements expire (Pakistan Observer). Agreements signed on or before 9 February 2026 are reported to remain under net metering; confirm your status with LESCO (Toolsfluent).
What the service includes
- Checking your sanctioned load and whether it needs an increase first
- Preparing the application and technical documents
- Submitting the file to LESCO and following up
- Coordinating LESCO's site inspection
- Arranging payment of the demand notice and interconnection costs
- Coordinating installation of the two-way (bidirectional or dual) meter
- Explaining your first bills under net billing
When you need it
- You have installed, or are installing, an on-grid or hybrid solar system and want credit for surplus units
- You are increasing system size and need a revised agreement
- Your old net metering agreement is ending
Step-by-step process
- Check your sanctioned load. Under the new rules system size cannot exceed it (Nukta). If it is too low, apply for a load extension first.
- Install a compliant system. Use a PEC-licensed, AEDB-certified installer so the technical documents meet LESCO's requirements (PPIB checklist).
- Prepare the file. Your installer fills in the application with system details.
- Submit to LESCO. Acknowledgement is due within 5 working days (Nukta).
- Technical assessment. LESCO checks the site and the local transformer, due within 15 days. No new connections are allowed if generation on a transformer reaches 80% of its rated capacity (Nukta).
- Pay the demand notice. You pay interconnection costs, including the meter.
- NEPRA concurrence, if needed. Reported at Rs 1,000 per kW, non-refundable (Nukta). Since August 2026, prosumers at or below 25 kW are reported to be approved by the DISCO directly without NEPRA concurrence (Toolsfluent).
- Meter installation. Interconnection is due within 15 days of payment (Nukta).
- Agreement signed. Keep a copy with your property papers.
Documents usually required
- Latest electricity bill
- CNIC of the consumer (the person named on the bill)
- Proof of ownership, or the owner's consent if you are a tenant
- Installer's technical details: single-line diagram, panel and inverter specifications and test certificates
- Installer's credentials
LESCO may ask for more. Your installer should give you the current checklist before starting.
What affects the cost
- Meter type and interconnection work required at your site
- Whether your sanctioned load must be increased first
- Whether NEPRA concurrence applies to your system size
- Any grid upgrades LESCO requires, since prosumers pay these under the new rules (Nukta)
- The installer's service fee for handling the file
Ask for a written breakdown of government charges versus the installer's own fee.
Questions to ask
- Is the application fee included in my solar quote, or separate?
- Which charges are LESCO's and which are yours?
- Will my system pass LESCO's technical assessment as designed?
- Is my local transformer near its solar limit?
- How will my bill look under net billing compared with my current bill?
Red flags
- An agent who promises approval "through contacts" for extra cash
- Advice to install a system larger than your sanctioned load
- No written receipt for government fees
- Claims that the 2015 one-for-one netting still applies to new connections
FAQs
Is net metering finished in Pakistan? For new connections, one-for-one netting was replaced by net billing on 9 February 2026. Existing agreements continue until they expire.
How long does it take? The regulations set stage-wise timelines: 5 working days to acknowledge, 15 days for assessment and 15 days after payment for interconnection (Nukta). Real timelines can be longer.
What rate will LESCO pay for my exports? The national average energy purchase price, which NEPRA sets and can revise. Reported figures have varied, so check LESCO's current rate before deciding system size.
Can a tenant apply? Yes, with the owner's written consent and documents.
Is it still worth exporting? Exports earn less than before, so size the system mainly for self-use and treat export credit as a bonus.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.