The rising use of solar energy in Peshawar’s upscale neighborhoods and major shopping malls has significantly impacted the revenue of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), prompting the company to halt the installation of green meters in these areas.
According to media reports, as load shedding increases and electricity prices rise, residents in affluent districts and surrounding areas have increasingly turned to solar power. To manage their electricity consumption more efficiently, many have opted for green meters, which track energy production from solar panels. This shift has led to a dramatic decline in demand for electricity supplied by PESCO, pushing the company into a financial crisis.
PESCO officials have acknowledged that the organization is facing severe financial difficulties due to the reduction in electricity sales. They pointed out that, under the current setup, PESCO must purchase electricity from users of green meters while simultaneously facing declining demand for its own supply. Senior officials warned that if the trend continues, the company could face bankruptcy.
In light of the situation, PESCO has decided to stop the installation of green meters in Peshawar’s high-end areas. Sources suggest that the federal government may soon introduce an 18 percent tax on the installation of green meters, which would add further pressure on PESCO’s finances.
Additionally, PESCO is expected to announce a policy change in which consumers with solar panels will no longer be able to sell excess electricity back to the grid.Â
Instead, they will be required to pay for the electricity they consume from PESCO’s network, regardless of how much solar energy they generate. This new approach aims to stabilize PESCO’s revenue but could further limit the financial benefits for households investing in solar power.
