Pending applications with Discos: KATI urges Nepra to notify cut-off date for net billing

ISLAMABAD: The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to notify a clear cut-off date for net billing applicable to pending net metering applications with power distribution companies (Discos).

In a letter addressed to the Nepra chairman, the association stated that it understands under the revised framework that existing net metering licence holders will continue to receive compensation for electricity exported to the grid at the national average power purchase price until the expiry of their licences, while new licence holders will be compensated at an energy-only rate.

“While we respect Nepra’s policy direction, the absence of a clearly notified cut-off date has created uncertainty for consumers who have already installed solar systems and submitted applications in good faith,” the KATI said. It added that a large number of net metering applications are currently pending with Discos and K-Electric and, in many cases, have not yet been forwarded to the Nepra for further processing.

The KATI explained that, in practice, applications are submitted only after the installation of systems in accordance with prescribed technical standards. As a result, consumers have already incurred significant capital costs based on the regulatory framework in place at the time of installation. Delays in inspection, verification, and onward submission of applications, it said, are administrative in nature and beyond the control of consumers.

“In all fairness, consumers who have completed installations and submitted applications within the prescribed timeframe should not be disadvantaged due to procedural delays at the utility level,” the association stated.

“A clearly notified cut-off date will help ensure uniform treatment, avoid confusion across Discos, and provide consumers with clarity to make informed decisions regarding continuation under the new framework or modification of system designs, such as shifting to hybrid or storage-based solutions.”

The KATI has therefore urged Nepra to notify a clear cut-off date and allow all applications submitted and pending with Discos or K-Electric up to that date —including those not yet forwarded to Nepra — to be accommodated under the net billing framework, with compensation at the national average power purchase price. The association said this would help ensure fair and consistent treatment of consumers.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025