PM Shehbaz orders review appeal against Nepra’s solar consumer ruling

ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to address concerns over new regulations affecting solar energy users, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Power Division to urgently file a review appeal with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

The prime minister’s directive follows the introduction of new solar energy regulations, which have raised widespread concerns about their potential impact on both existing users and the broader energy market.

During a high-level meeting, Prime minister Sharif emphasised the need for immediate action to protect the interests of the 466,000 solar energy consumers currently active across the country. He expressed particular concern over the possibility of these users’ contracts being negatively affected by the new regulations, which could lead to higher financial burdens for those who have already invested in solar energy infrastructure.

READ MORE: Non-revision of net-metering rules: Govt can’t afford Rs550bn burden on consumers, Senate told

The prime minister’s instructions to the Power Division are clear: seek a formal review of the new rules and ensure that existing solar energy users are not penalised for decisions they made based on the previous regulatory framework. “It is imperative that the rights and investments of solar energy users are safeguarded,” Sharif stated, underscoring the need for ensuring that these consumers continue to receive the benefits of their renewable energy investments.

In addition to protecting the interests of solar energy users, Sharif also raised concerns about the broader impact on the 37.6 million citizens who rely solely on the national grid for their electricity needs. He made it clear that the financial burden of any potential adjustments to the solar energy sector should not be passed on to the general public.

To address this, the prime minister directed the Power Division to develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at mitigating any negative effects on national grid consumers. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahad Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Awais Leghari, and Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, Mohammad Ali, the adviser to the prime minister on privatisation and other senior officials.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026