How to Read WAPDA Electricity Bill with Solar (2026): Import, Export & Net Units
By PSI Editorial · 5 min · Updated August 21, 2026
💡 Quick Summary & Key Takeaways
- Register 1.8.0 / 1.8.1: Total Import Units from Grid (Consumed)
- Register 2.8.0 / 2.8.1: Total Export Units to Grid (Generated by Solar)
- Net Billed Units: Import Units minus Export Units
- Peak Hours: Cannot be offset with daytime solar export
1. Key Sections of a WAPDA Net Metering Bill
When your bidirectional green meter is energized, your DISCO electricity bill format updates with dedicated distributed generation fields:
1. Meter Reading Table: Displays Present and Previous readings for both Import (1.8.0) and Export (2.8.0).
2. Current Energy Billed: The net difference after subtracting exported units from imported units.
3. Credit Balance / Negative Units: Displayed under 'Adjustments' or 'Units Carried Forward' if exports exceed consumption.
2. Understanding Peak vs Off-Peak Billing
In Pakistan, TOU (Time of Use) meters split electricity into two windows:
- Off-Peak Hours (Daytime & Late Night): Solar energy generated during the day offsets off-peak units 1:1.
- Peak Hours (5:00 PM to 11:00 PM depending on season): Daytime solar export cannot be deducted from peak unit consumption. Peak units must either be paid at full peak tariff or settled at the quarterly net cash settlement.
3. Troubleshooting Billing Errors with DISCOs
Common issues to watch for:
- Meter reader failing to record the 2.8.0 export register.
- Incorrect multiplier (MF) applied to exported units on CT-connected commercial meters.
- Always photograph both green meter screen displays on billing meter-reading day for documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are solar exported units shown on a WAPDA bill?
Exported units are shown in the meter reading table under register 2.8.0 (or Export Off-Peak 2.8.1 and Export Peak 2.8.2) alongside your standard import registers (1.8.0).
What does "Units Carried Forward" mean on a solar bill?
If your solar export exceeds your imported units during a billing month, the net surplus units are credited and rolled forward to offset your subsequent monthly bills.
Why do I still get a bill when my solar exported units exceed imports?
Even with negative net energy, WAPDA bills include mandatory government fixed meter rent, PTV fees, GST on fixed charges, and Peak hour unit charges.