What Is Net Metering?

Net metering is a NEPRA-approved policy that allows owners of solar (or other renewable) generation systems to export surplus electricity to the national grid and receive bill credits in return.

The principle is simple: your solar panels often produce more electricity than your home or business uses during daylight hours. Without net metering, that surplus is either wasted or stored (in a battery). With net metering, it flows into the grid and your bi-directional meter records the export — which your DISCO credits against future bills.

Net metering is distinct from feed-in tariff schemes (where you are paid cash for every exported kWh). Under net metering, exported units offset imported units on your bill. The export rate and the settlement mechanism are set by NEPRA and are subject to periodic revision.

How It Works — The Billing Cycle

Once your net-metering connection is active, each billing period works like this:

  1. During the day — your solar system generates electricity. Your home or business uses what it needs. Any surplus flows out to the grid; your bi-directional meter records the export.
  2. At night / peak demand — you draw electricity from the grid. Your meter records this import as normal.
  3. At bill generation — your DISCO calculates: Imported kWh − (Exported kWh × export rate factor). If exports exceed imports, the surplus credit rolls over to the next period.
  4. Annual settlement — at periodic intervals defined by NEPRA rules, any remaining credit balance is settled by the DISCO. Contact your DISCO or SolarLink for the applicable settlement schedule for your connection type.
Note: The actual applied export rate and settlement terms are set by NEPRA and may differ from import tariff rates. SolarLink will confirm the applicable rate at the time of your system design.

Eligibility Basics

You are generally eligible for net metering if:

  • You hold an active electricity connection with a licensed DISCO (LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, MEPCO, FESCO, PESCO, HESCO, QESCO, SEPCO, or K-Electric).
  • You are the registered consumer for that connection (or have written authorisation from the registered consumer).
  • Your solar system is installed by a NEPRA-licensed EPC contractor (SolarLink is a licensed contractor).
  • The system capacity does not exceed your sanctioned load for the connection. Your sanctioned load is printed on your DISCO connection letter; SolarLink verifies this before system design.
  • The system equipment (inverter, panels) meets NEPRA and DISCO technical standards.

There is currently no restriction on consumer category — residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial consumers in Pakistan are all eligible.

Application Process — Step by Step

The net metering application is submitted to your DISCO and follows a process defined by NEPRA regulations. The general steps are:

  1. System design and feasibility — your EPC contractor (SolarLink) designs the solar system within your sanctioned load and confirms net-metering compatibility.
  2. Document preparation — SolarLink compiles the required technical documents (see Required Documents below).
  3. DISCO application submission — the application package is submitted to your DISCO's net-metering desk. SolarLink submits on your behalf.
  4. DISCO feasibility study — the DISCO evaluates whether the grid infrastructure at your connection point can accommodate your export capacity. For most residential systems this is straightforward; for larger commercial systems it may take longer.
  5. Generation licence (if required) — NEPRA rules require certain consumers to obtain a generation licence or exemption. SolarLink handles this where applicable.
  6. Net metering agreement — once approved, you and the DISCO sign a net metering interconnection agreement.
  7. Bi-directional meter installation — the DISCO installs the bi-directional meter at your premises. Your system is then officially live for net metering.
SolarLink's role: We prepare and submit all documents, liaise with the DISCO inspector during feasibility visits, and follow up until your bi-directional meter is installed. You don't need to visit the DISCO office.

Required Documents

Exact requirements vary slightly by DISCO. The standard document set typically includes:

  • Completed DISCO net metering application form
  • Copy of your most recent electricity bill
  • Copy of CNIC (consumer and, if applicable, property owner)
  • Single-line diagram (SLD) of the proposed solar system — prepared by SolarLink
  • Equipment datasheets for panels, inverter, and protection devices
  • Copy of SolarLink's NEPRA generation licence
  • Site layout / roof plan showing panel placement
  • Signed net metering interconnection agreement

Some DISCOs request additional documents such as a no-objection certificate from the building owner (for tenants), or technical reports for larger commercial systems. SolarLink maintains an up-to-date checklist for each DISCO and prepares the full set for your application.

Timeline & Common Delays

NEPRA establishes a maximum processing timeline that DISCOs must follow. In practice, SolarLink's experience across Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Sargodha shows that most approvals happen within 4–12 weeks from complete application submission.

The most common causes of delay:

  • Incomplete document set — a missing datasheet or unsigned form triggers a deficiency notice, restarting the clock. SolarLink's pre-submission checklist prevents this.
  • DISCO grid capacity constraints — in some feeders, the DISCO may require a grid upgrade before approving net metering at a given size. This is less common for residential systems under 10 kW.
  • Applicant responsiveness — DISCO may require the consumer to be present for inspection or to sign documents within a specified period. SolarLink coordinates these on your behalf.
  • DISCO workload — some DISCOs process a high volume of applications and may take longer than the statutory maximum. SolarLink tracks each application and escalates where needed.
Disclaimer: Fees, specific timelines, and procedural details may change as NEPRA updates its regulations or DISCOs revise their processes. Always confirm current requirements with your DISCO or SolarLink before proceeding.

Net metering paperwork is the part of going solar that most customers find confusing and time-consuming. SolarLink includes full net metering application management as a standard service in every installation we complete.

  • We design your system within your sanctioned load from day one.
  • We compile and submit the complete DISCO-specific document set on your behalf.
  • We liaise with the DISCO engineer during feasibility visits and inspections.
  • We follow up with the DISCO until your bi-directional meter is installed.
  • We explain your first net-metered bill and confirm your export credits are correct.

For customers who already have a solar system but haven't completed net metering, we offer a standalone net metering support service — we review your existing system, prepare the required documentation, and manage the full DISCO application.