What Changed in February 2026?
NEPRA (the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) introduced the Prosumer Regulations 2025, effective from February 8, 2026. This replaced the original Net Metering Regulations of 2015 for all new applicants. The core change: new solar customers no longer get one-to-one credits for exported electricity — they now sell surplus power at a fixed buyback rate under a Net Billing mechanism.
If you applied before February 8, 2026: You are fully protected. Your net metering agreement stays in place for its full 7-year term at the rate of Rs. 25.32/unit. No action needed.
Net Metering vs. Net Billing — Side by Side
| Feature | Net Metering (Pre-Feb 2026) | Net Billing (From Feb 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it applies to | Existing users (connected before Feb 8, 2026) | All new applicants from Feb 8, 2026 |
| Export buyback rate | ~Rs. 25.32 per unit | ~Rs. 10–13 per unit (NAEPP rate) |
| How billing works | Export units offset against import units (1:1 credit) | Consumption billed separately; exports paid at fixed rate |
| Contract term | 7 years | 5 years |
| Meter type | Bidirectional meter | Smart meter (mandatory) |
| System size limit | Up to 1.5x sanctioned load | Up to sanctioned load (no oversizing) |
| Estimated payback period | 5–6 years | 8–12 years |
| Unused credit rollover | Rolls forward indefinitely | Quarterly payment for net exports |
Is Solar Still Worth It Under Net Billing?
Yes — and here is why. The biggest savings from solar have always come from avoiding grid electricity, not from selling it back. Grid electricity in Pakistan now costs Rs. 40–65+ per unit for residential consumers (plus surcharges). Solar generation costs you roughly Rs. 8–10 per unit over the system's lifetime.
The key is right-sizing your system to your actual consumption. A well-designed system that matches your daytime usage means you self-consume 70–80% of what you generate. Only the remaining 20–30% is exported at the lower Rs. 10–13/unit buyback rate. The math still works strongly in your favour.
A hybrid system with battery storage reduces grid dependency even further — you store midday surplus and use it in the evening, maximising self-consumption and minimising exports at the lower buyback rate.
Saigal Solar's recommendation: Under Net Billing, system sizing matters more than ever. We design every system around your actual consumption data and bill history — not oversized systems chasing export revenue. Contact us for a free load analysis.
How to Connect Under Net Billing (New Applicants)
Install an Approved Solar System
Your system must use NEPRA-approved inverters and be installed by a registered company. Saigal Solar is a fully registered installer — we ensure your system qualifies from day one.
Prepare Documentation
CNIC copy · Latest FESCO bill · Property documents · System single-line diagram (SLD) · Inverter NEPRA approval certificate · Installer registration certificate · Completed Prosumer application form.
Submit Prosumer Application to FESCO
Submit the prosumer connection application to FESCO's Engineering Department with all documents and the application fee. We handle this on your behalf.
FESCO Technical Review & Site Inspection
FESCO engineers review documentation and conduct a site visit to verify the installation meets safety and technical standards.
Smart Meter Installation
FESCO installs a bidirectional smart meter (now mandatory under Prosumer Regulations 2025) that measures both import and export accurately. Cost is approximately Rs. 15,000–25,000 and is borne by the consumer.
Prosumer Agreement & Activation
FESCO issues a 5-year prosumer agreement and activates the net billing setup. Your monthly bill shows consumption charges and export credits separately. Quarterly payments are made for any net exports.
Quick Reference: Faisalabad (FESCO) Prosumer Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Applicable regulation | NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2025 (from Feb 8, 2026) |
| Export buyback rate (new applicants) | ~Rs. 10–13/unit (National Average Energy Purchase Price) |
| Export buyback rate (existing users) | Rs. 25.32/unit (protected until contract expires) |
| Contract term (new) | 5 years |
| Application timeline | 6–12 weeks from application to smart meter activation |
| Maximum system size | Up to sanctioned load (no oversizing allowed for new applicants) |
| Smart meter cost | Rs. 15,000–25,000 (consumer pays) |
| DISCO in Faisalabad | FESCO (Faisalabad Electric Supply Company) |
| Number of existing net metering users (Pakistan) | ~283,000 (protected under old rates until ~2030–31) |
Let Saigal Solar Handle Your Prosumer Application
We have completed dozens of FESCO solar grid connection applications in Faisalabad — residential, commercial, and industrial. When you install with us, we include the complete prosumer application service at no extra charge. We prepare all documentation, submit the application, coordinate FESCO site visits, and follow up until your smart meter is installed and your account is activated.