Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy has made it mandatory for all solar system users to obtain a license from National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). The move introduces new regulatory requirements for electricity generation through solar installations.
According to Nepra sources, consumers will now need a formal license to generate electricity based on their system capacity. Previously, distribution companies could issue licenses for systems up to 25 kilowatts.
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Officials said the new requirement has been introduced under amendments approved by the Power Division. Consumers will also be required to submit a pay order in Nepra’s name as part of the licensing process.
Under the revised rules, users will have to pay an additional fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt based on their system load. Earlier, solar systems up to 25 kilowatts were eligible for free licensing, making this a significant policy shift.
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However, sources added that consumers using hybrid technology will be exempt from the licensing requirement. The changes also allow connections under net billing projects, signaling a transition in how solar energy is regulated in the country.