Net Metering Guide Pakistan 2026
Cut your electricity bill by going solar — learn how net metering works, who qualifies, and how to apply with LESCO.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement that lets solar system owners export surplus electricity back to the national grid in exchange for credits. In Pakistan, NEPRA introduced net metering regulations in 2015, allowing consumers with 1 kW to 1 MW solar installations to offset their LESCO bills with the units they generate. At the end of each billing cycle, you only pay for the net electricity consumed — the difference between what you imported from the grid and what you exported.
How Net Metering Works
Solar Panels Generate Power
During the day, your panels produce DC electricity that an inverter converts to AC.
Your Home Uses It First
Power flows to your appliances directly — reducing the units you draw from LESCO.
Surplus Goes to the Grid
Any extra units are exported through a bi-directional meter and credited on your bill.
Benefits of Net Metering
Lower Electricity Bills
Offset your LESCO bill by exporting surplus solar units back to the grid at NEPRA-approved rates.
Clean & Renewable
Reduce your carbon footprint by generating clean electricity from rooftop solar panels.
Grid Independence
Continue using the grid as backup while producing most of your own power during the day.
Long-Term Returns
Most systems pay back in 3–5 years and continue saving for 20+ years of panel life.
Eligibility Requirements
- Existing LESCO consumer with active 3-phase connection (recommended for >5 kW)
- Sanctioned load between 1 kW and 1 MW
- Roof or land available for solar panel installation
- No outstanding electricity bill dues
- Use of AEDB-certified equipment and licensed installer
Application Process
Survey & Sizing
Hire an AEDB-licensed vendor to assess your roof, load, and recommend system size (typically 5–15 kW for homes).
Install Solar System
Vendor installs panels, hybrid/on-grid inverter, and bi-directional energy meter compatible with net metering.
Apply to DISCO (LESCO)
Submit the net metering application along with required documents to your nearest LESCO Customer Service Center.
Technical Inspection
LESCO engineers inspect the installation and verify it meets NEPRA safety and grid-code requirements.
License & Agreement
Receive your generation license from NEPRA and sign the 3-year net metering agreement with LESCO.
Meter Installation
LESCO installs the bi-directional meter — you can now export surplus units to the grid.
Required Documents
- Copy of CNIC of the consumer
- Latest paid LESCO bill (last 3 months)
- Ownership proof of the premises
- Single Line Diagram (SLD) of the solar system
- Equipment specifications & datasheets (panels, inverter)
- Installation completion certificate from licensed vendor
Solar System Requirements
- On-grid or hybrid inverter with anti-islanding protection
- Solar panels meeting IEC 61215 / 61730 standards
- Bi-directional energy meter (installed by LESCO)
- System capacity must not exceed sanctioned load
- Compliance with NEPRA grid code and safety standards
Cost vs Savings — Run the Numbers
A 5 kW rooftop solar system costs roughly Rs. 700,000–1,000,000 in 2026 and can save Rs. 25,000–40,000 per month on a typical 800-unit LESCO bill. Use our calculator to compare your current bill against projected solar savings.
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. Net metering policies, tariffs, and procedures are governed by NEPRA and LESCO and may change. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official LESCO website or an AEDB-licensed solar vendor before making a financial decision.