Power Division orders clearance of 1,355 pending solar net-metering cases within 10 days

The Power Division has directed electricity distribution companies to clear a backlog of 1,355 pending solar net-metering applications within 10 days after taking notice of delays in energising consumer connections, Dawn reported, citing an official order. 

The Power Division has also directed all Discos to withhold bonuses of officers allegedly responsible for creating hurdles in the approval of net metering applications.

The directions were issued after the Power Information Technology Company informed the ministry that ex-Wapda distribution companies had delayed processing net-metering applications amid changes in prosumer regulations.

The pending cases relate to applications submitted before February 8 and remained unresolved for over six months.

Officials said the data was compiled through transformer tagging records and complaints registered through the 118 helpline portal.

The report also highlighted issues with incorrect tagging of transformers with consumers, resulting in abnormal sanctioned loads being reflected against transformers and causing rejection of net-metering and billing cases.

The ministry further noted that delays in resolving outage complaints beyond timelines prescribed by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority remained high.

Following directions from the power minister, distribution companies were instructed to ensure installation and energisation of all remaining net-metering connections by June 1.

The Power Division also decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the worst-performing superintending engineers, executive engineers and sub-divisional officers.

Officials said bonuses of officers involved in unnecessary delays in net-metering, net-billing installations and complaint resolution would also be stopped.

The backlog had been building since late last year as Nepra initiated hearings on rooftop solar regulations amid concerns raised by the Power Division regarding pressure on the national grid due to declining electricity demand.

The Power Division later clarified that the main challenge was linked to behind-the-meter consumption and the rapid increase in the number of protected consumers over the past three years.

After Nepra introduced new prosumer regulations effective February 8, the net-metering regime was shifted to a net-billing framework.

Subsequently, the Power Division requested Nepra to continue protecting existing net-metering consumers until expiry of their agreements and assured consumers that applications already submitted would not face discrimination.