Power Division files review petition with NEPRA on Prosumer Regulations 2026

Following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Power Division has formally requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to reconsider the recently notified Prosumer Regulations 2026, Business Recorder reported, citing official sources. 

The move comes after public criticism and concerns raised by parliamentarians and solar consumers over changes introduced through the new regulatory framework, which was notified on February 9, 2026.

BR cited a senior official in the Power Division as saying that the prime minister instructed the ministry to engage NEPRA to ensure that the interests of existing net-metering consumers are protected. The directive specifically calls for safeguarding current contractual rights and preventing any undue financial burden on the broader consumer base.

According to the Power Division, around 466,000 solar consumers are currently operating under net-metering arrangements, while over 38 million consumers remain connected to the national grid. The government has emphasised the need to ensure that costs are not disproportionately shifted to non-solar users.

The ministry has proposed that consumers holding valid net-metering licences as of February 9, 2026, continue to receive benefits available under the previous regulatory regime. For new applicants, however, the Prosumer Regulations 2026 would apply.

The Power Division has also requested that, until a final decision is made, distribution companies continue implementing the earlier net-metering framework for licensed consumers.

The issue has triggered debate in recent weeks, with solar users arguing that they invested substantial sums in rooftop installations under an existing policy framework. At the same time, the Power Division has maintained that the current net-metering system imposes an additional cost of about Rs3.5 per unit on non-solar consumers and poses operational challenges for grid stability due to rising solar penetration.

NEPRA is expected to review the request and consider potential amendments to the regulations.