Govt announce relief for solar energy users

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued a fresh clarification on solar consumers, clearly separating rules for off‑grid and on‑grid solar users.

The move comes as part of Nepra’s effort to better regulate distributed solar generation in the country. Nepra stated that its regulations do not apply to people using off‑grid solar systems because these setups are not connected to the national electricity grid. As a result, such users do not need a NEPRA licence, and there is no proposal to make one mandatory at this stage.

However, separate rules now cover consumers connected to the national grid. According to Nepra, individuals who fall under net metering and net billing must obtain a regular license. Under the updated framework, a new net billing system has been introduced specifically for new grid‑connected solar consumers.

Earlier, only consumers with a load of more than 25 kW were required to take a Nepra license. Now, the regulator has expanded this rule so that consumers with 25 kW or less must also obtain a license. A fixed fee of Rs1000 per kilowatt has been set for this licensing process.

Previously, consumers up to 25 kilowatts only needed approval from their distribution company, and no fee was charged. After the new decision, that system has changed.

Officials said the aim is to bring more transparency and control to the solar energy sector while improving grid‑level data on rooftop and small‑scale solar projects. Nepra also emphasized that the new fee structure is designed to apply only to on‑grid solar connections, not to fully off‑grid systems.