Is Green Meter Banned in Pakistan? NEPRA Net Billing 2026 Explained
By PSI Editorial · 6 min read · Updated September 2026
Atomic Summary: Green meters are NOT banned in Pakistan. NEPRA's 2026 net billing regulation replaced the old buyback formula — new solar owners still get a bi-directional (green) meter installed by their DISCO, but export credits are now Rs. 8.13/unit instead of the full retail tariff. Existing net-metering customers are protected under the old rates until December 2029.
What Is a Green Meter in Pakistan?
A "green meter" is the informal name for a bi-directional energy meter — a special electricity meter that measures both electricity consumed from the grid and surplus solar electricity exported back to it. DISCOs (Distribution Companies) like LESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, and K-Electric install these meters for solar system owners who connect to the grid.
Standard household meters only measure import (what you use from the grid). A green meter records two values: units imported and units exported — essential for calculating net billing credits.
Why Do People Think Green Meters Are Banned?
The confusion started when NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) issued its Distributed Generation and Net Billing Regulations 2026 in February 2026. This policy change dramatically reduced the export buyback rate from the full retail tariff (Rs. 22–42/unit) to a fixed Rs. 8.13/unit for all new applicants.
Social media — especially WhatsApp forwards and YouTube videos — incorrectly reported this as "green meters being banned." In reality:
- Green (bi-directional) meters are still installed for all new solar owners under net billing.
- Only the payment rate for exported electricity changed — not the meter type.
- Existing net-metering connections are legally protected at the old rate until 31 December 2029.
- NEPRA did not instruct DISCOs to remove or refuse green meters.
Net Metering vs Net Billing: Complete Comparison
| Feature | Net Metering (Pre-2026) | Net Billing (2026+) |
|---|---|---|
| Export rate per unit | Full retail slab rate (Rs. 22–42) | Rs. 8.13 fixed |
| Meter type required | Bi-directional (green meter) | Bi-directional (green meter) |
| Who can apply | Protected for existing until 2029 | All new applicants from 2026 |
| Best system sizing strategy | Can oversize to maximize export | Size for self-consumption only |
| Battery attractiveness | Optional (export was profitable) | More attractive (avoid low export rate) |
What Existing Net-Metering Customers Should Do
If you already have a net-metering connection approved before NEPRA's February 2026 regulation, you are in an excellent position:
- Do nothing urgently. Your existing arrangement is legally protected until December 31, 2029 — approximately 3.5 more years of high buyback rates.
- Maximise export during protection period. If your system is oversized for your load, continue exporting at your current rate.
- Plan for 2029. From January 2030, your connection will migrate to net-billing terms. Start budgeting for battery storage now so you can self-consume more when the changeover happens.
- Do not remove your green meter. Some unscrupulous vendors are telling customers to "upgrade" their systems and lose their net-metering status. This is financially harmful.
How to Apply for Net Billing (New Solar Owners in 2026)
The process for connecting a new solar system to the grid in 2026 is essentially the same as net metering was previously:
- Install your solar system with a licensed installer (AEDB-approved).
- Submit the net billing application to your DISCO with system specifications, single-line diagram, and installer certificates.
- Your DISCO inspects the installation and installs the bi-directional (green) meter.
- You receive credits at Rs. 8.13/unit for any surplus exported to the grid — visible on your monthly bill.
Is Solar Still Worth It Under Net Billing 2026?
Absolutely. Here is why solar remains one of Pakistan's best financial decisions even with the lower export rate:
- Self-consumption savings are unaffected: Every unit of solar you consume yourself saves you Rs. 25–42/unit (your tariff rate), not Rs. 8.13. Design your system for self-consumption and you lose nothing.
- WAPDA tariffs keep rising: Pakistani electricity tariffs have doubled in 4 years. Solar locks in your energy cost for 25 years.
- Payback periods remain short: 3–5 years for on-grid, 4–7 years for hybrid systems.
- Load shedding protection: Hybrid systems with batteries eliminate load-shedding losses — worth thousands of rupees monthly for small businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are green meters banned in Pakistan?
No. Green meters (bi-directional meters) are not banned. NEPRA's 2026 net billing regulation changed the export buyback rate from the full retail tariff to Rs. 8.13/unit for new applicants. The meter type remains the same. Existing net-metering customers keep their old rates until December 2029.
What is the difference between net metering and net billing in Pakistan?
Net metering (pre-2026 policy) credited exports at full retail tariff rate — up to Rs. 42/unit. Net billing (2026 policy) credits exports at a fixed Rs. 8.13/unit. Both policies use a bi-directional green meter. Under net billing, the financial strategy shifts from maximizing export to maximizing self-consumption.
Should I still go solar in Pakistan under net billing 2026?
Yes — strongly. The key is to size your system for your own daytime consumption rather than to maximize export. Every unit you consume yourself saves you Rs. 25–42/unit. With WAPDA tariffs rising every year, solar locks in your electricity cost for 25 years at zero fuel cost. Payback periods of 3–5 years are still very achievable.
Related: Net Metering Pakistan Guide · Solar Panel Prices · Solar Calculator