NEPRA weighs fixed monthly charges for small power consumers after net metering changes

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NEPRA weighs fixed monthly charges

Pakistan’s power sector may see another shift as NEPRA weighs fixed monthly charges for small electricity users following major net metering reforms. The proposal, discussed during a recent regulatory hearing, could affect protected and non-protected consumers differently. Many households are worried about rising bills, while others want clarity on how solar users and low-income families will be impacted. Here is a simple breakdown of what the new plan means, who it may affect, and what could happen next.

Category	Proposed Fixed Charge
Protected up to 100 units	Rs200
Protected up to 200 units	Rs300
Non-protected up to 100 units	Rs275
Non-protected up to 200 units	Rs300
Non-protected up to 300 units	Rs350
301–400 units/month	Rs400
401–500 units/month	Rs500
Higher-use categories	Up to Rs675

Why NEPRA weighs fixed charges after net metering reforms

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority is reviewing fixed monthly charges as part of wider electricity sector adjustments. Officials say the aim is to balance costs between grid users and solar prosumers after net metering was replaced by a net billing system under the Prosumer Regulations 2026.

Under the earlier net metering model, solar users could exchange electricity units one-for-one with the grid. The new system changes that balance by setting a buyback rate close to the national average purchase price. Information shared during hearings and reports comes from the official regulator details covering Pakistan’s power policy updates.

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Proposed fixed charges for protected consumers

Protected consumers currently receive discounted tariffs because of low electricity usage. The new proposal suggests adding small fixed fees depending on consumption.

Low-usage households: Users consuming up to 100 units may pay around Rs200 as a fixed monthly charge.
Moderate protected users: Those using up to 200 units could see charges close to Rs300.
Subsidy adjustments: The proposal also includes a gradual reduction of certain subsidies to reduce pressure on the national power budget.

Many consumer groups are watching closely because protected users are usually from lower-income households.

Changes for non-protected electricity users

Non-protected consumers could face a wider range of fixed fees depending on how much electricity they use each month.

Basic category: Up to 100 units may carry a fixed fee of around Rs275.
Mid-range usage: Charges may rise from Rs300 to Rs500 as consumption increases from 200 to 500 units.
High-use consumers: A fixed charge of about Rs675 has been proposed for higher categories with certain adjustments.

These changes are still under review, and NEPRA has not issued a final notification.

Net billing system and solar prosumers explained

The shift from net metering to net billing has become one of the biggest discussions in Pakistan’s energy market. Under the new framework, utilities buy excess electricity at a lower national average rate while selling power at the standard consumer tariff.

Buyback rate: Surplus electricity is expected to be purchased at around Rs11 per unit.
Consumer tariff gap: Grid electricity prices can exceed Rs40 per unit, creating a difference between buying and selling rates.
Contract duration: Standard agreements are reduced from seven years to five years.

The regulations apply to solar, wind, and biogas systems, with a maximum system size capped at 1 megawatt and linked to sanctioned load capacity.

Technical rules and operational requirements

Along with pricing changes, NEPRA introduced technical limits to manage distributed generation safely. These measures aim to prevent grid overload and ensure reliable supply.

Transformer limit: New connections may be blocked if generation reaches 80% of transformer capacity.
Load-flow study: Systems of 250kW or more must undergo mandatory analysis before approval.
Interconnection costs: Prosumers must cover meters, upgrades, and a Rs1,000 per kilowatt concurrence fee.

Existing prosumers will continue under their current agreements until they expire, which offers some stability for earlier solar investors.

Step-by-step: How consumers can stay updated

Visit NEPRA’s official website for hearing updates and announcements.
Check your electricity bill category to see if you are protected or non-protected.
Follow energy news reports from trusted national outlets.
Contact your local DISCO for clarification on billing changes.
Wait for the final decision, as proposals can change before approval.

These steps are based on publicly available guidance and information compiled from official sources and major news coverage.

Helpline & Contact Information

Consumers who want more details about billing or policy changes can reach out through publicly listed support channels.

NEPRA Helpline: 051-9206500 (general inquiry number listed online).
Official Website: Search “NEPRA Pakistan” to access updates, hearings, and consumer notices.
Local DISCO Offices: Customers can visit their electricity distribution company for billing help.

Contact details are collected from widely available Google listings and official regulator information pages.

Conclusion

The discussion around fixed monthly charges shows how Pakistan’s electricity sector is evolving after major net metering reforms. While NEPRA weighs fixed charges to balance financial pressures on the grid, many households remain concerned about rising costs and reduced subsidies. The proposals are still under consideration, which means final rates or categories may change. Consumers should stay informed through official announcements and trusted sources before drawing conclusions about future electricity bills.

FAQs
What does “NEPRA weighs fixed” charges mean?

It means the regulator is reviewing a proposal to introduce fixed monthly fees for certain electricity users, but no final decision has been announced yet.