Unnecessary delays in approval of net metering applications: PD directs Discos to withhold bonuses of erring officers

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has directed the chief executive officers (CEOs) of all power distribution companies (Discos) to withhold bonuses of officers allegedly responsible for creating hurdles in the approval of net metering applications submitted prior to February 8, 2026.

Earlier, on February 19, 2026, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari had instructed all electricity distribution companies, including K-Electric, to process and facilitate net metering applications received up to February 8 under the previous regulatory framework. He also ordered the immediate implementation of this decision.

According to the Power Division, a total of 5,165 net metering applications had been submitted across the Discos and K-Electric by the cut-off date, with the potential to add 250.822 megawatts to the national grid.

READ MORE: Discos directed to process net-metering pending pleas

The minister further emphasised the need for transparency in processing applications and advised consumers to lodge complaints through the helpline 118.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), in its revised Prosumer Regulations 2026, had already clarified that applications submitted before February 9, 2026, would be processed under the applicable earlier framework. However, despite this clarification, many consumers were uncertain about the fate of their investments following the introduction of the revised regulations.

On May 20, 2026, the Power Information Technology Company (PITC) briefed the Minister on the progress of net metering cases registered prior to February 8, transformer tagging with consumers, and the performance of the 118 Complaint Redressal Portal.

During the meeting, it was revealed that 1,355 net metering cases are still pending for installation. It was also observed that a significant number of transformers have not been correctly tagged with consumers, resulting in abnormal sanctioned loads being reflected against transformers. This discrepancy led to the rejection of net metering and billing cases.

The Minister was further informed that the percentage of resolved outage complaints exceeding Nepra-prescribed timelines remains high. Taking serious notice of the situation, the Power Division has directed DISCOs to ensure the installation and energisation of all pending 1,355 net metering connections by June 1, 2026.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026