Court upholds existing net metering framework

Consumers to be billed under 2015 NEPRA regulations until 2026

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has disposed of a petition challenging solar net metering after the petitioner opted not to pursue the matter further, directing that existing regulations will remain in force until new rules are implemented in 2026.

Justice Abid Hussain Chattha issued a two-page written order on a petition filed by Syed Azhar Hussain.

During the proceedings, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) informed the court that the Ministry of Energy had directed consumers to continue being billed under the NEPRA Regulations 2015.

The ministry also instructed all distribution companies, including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), to carry out billing in accordance with the previous regulatory framework.

According to the written order, the Ministry of Energy has further directed that relief be extended to consumers who had already secured approval for solar net meters.

Consumers who obtained approval for net metering up to February 9, will be granted concession, and their applications will remain subject to the old regulatory regime until the enforcement of the NEPRA Regulations 2026.

NEPRA's legal adviser told the court that the petitioner's grievance had already been addressed and approved by the authority, adding that due process would ensure appropriate redress.

In view of these submissions, the petitioner requested that no further proceedings be conducted.