Daily Times

The rapid growth of rooftop solar systems is transforming Pakistan’s energy landscape but also creating disparities for lower-income electricity consumers who remain dependent on the traditional grid. To address this, ensuring equitable energy access for all consumers is crucial.

This concern was the focal point of a session titled “Navigating the Solar Surge: Ensuring Equitable Energy Access in Pakistan’s Power Sector,” hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad. The session featured insights from Khalid Rahman, IPS Chairman, Ameena Sohail, senior IPS associate and energy advocate, Abubakar Ismail, head of energy & sustainability, Amreli Steels, Muhammad Musaddiq, CEO of Siddique Renewable Energy, Asad Mahmood, renewable energy expert, and Mirza Hamid Hassan, former federal secretary for Water & Power.

Wali Farooqui, research officer IPS, presented the study and pointed out that while falling solar costs have led to its mass adoption, it is mostly elite consumers benefiting from these savings. He noted that this shift is creating a two-tiered energy system, where those who cannot afford solar are at an increasing disadvantage, burdened with higher bills. “Those with higher-paying capabilities can shield themselves from rising electricity prices, but leaves lower-income consumers worse off as they are left facing a greater share of the grids costs,” Farooqui stated.

Khalid Rahman emphasized that the lack of timely amendments to net metering policies is exacerbating these inequities. He called for more inclusive policy development that ensures both solar adopters and grid-dependent consumers are treated fairly. He added that without assessing these changes and their broader impacts, we risk harming the majority of consumers.

Ameena Sohail warned of the strain that unchecked solar growth could place on grid operations. She called for a reassessment of Pakistan’s energy generation planning to prioritize solar integration without jeopardizing the financial and operational stability of the grid. She said that solar is commercially viable, but we need a regulatory framework that supports system stability while promoting solar adoption equitably. Asad Mahmood highlighted the growing divide between those who can afford solar energy and those who cannot, stressing that while solar adopters benefit from significantly lower bills, many consumers are left facing increased economic pressure.