A strong outcry erupted in the Senate after new regulations changed the solar net-metering framework across Pakistan. Lawmakers sharply questioned the decision, while the government defended the regulatory move.
The power regulator introduced revised contracts for all net-metered solar consumers, also known as prosumers. As a result, net-metering was replaced with a net-billing system for future and existing users.
During the Senate session, Senator Syed Ali Zafar strongly criticised the decision. He called it a breach of trust and an unfair reversal of a state promise.
He said the government had encouraged citizens to invest in solar energy on equitable net-metering terms. Moreover, the policy was promoted as a national effort to reduce fuel imports and energy costs.
Consequently, households invested savings, sold assets, and took loans to install solar systems. According to him, the sudden regulatory shift harmed those decisions.
He argued that retrospective changes violated legal principles and public trust. He also cited the doctrine of promissory estoppel to support his position.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherry Rehman questioned the logic behind withdrawing earlier incentives. She asked why solar adoption was encouraged if tariffs were later altered.
She stressed that distribution inefficiencies remained the real issue. Furthermore, she warned that frequent tariff changes discouraged investment.
She added that rising electricity bills burden industries and households alike. As a result, manufacturing sectors faced declining competitiveness.
Other senators echoed similar concerns, highlighting the broader economic impact. They warned that energy instability could undermine investor confidence.
However, the power minister defended the regulator’s authority. He said the changes followed constitutional and legal mandates.
He clarified that the decision focused on protecting non-solar consumers. According to him, most consumers could not afford solar installations.
He stated that only about 466,000 consumers used net-metering. Meanwhile, over 30 million consumers depended entirely on grid electricity.
He warned that unchecked net-metering could shift heavy financial burdens onto low-income users. Therefore, regulation became necessary.
The minister also rejected claims of retrospective application. He said existing seven-year contracts remained unchanged.
In conclusion, the debate reflected deep divisions over energy regulation and public trust. The issue remains central to Pakistan’s renewable energy transition.
