Govt introduces new solar rules in Punjab and Sindh

Pakistan’s Ministry of Power Division has introduced new amendments to solar system regulations, making it mandatory for all consumers to obtain a license from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to generate electricity.

The federal government is not responsible for issuing NEPRA licenses for solar net metering, a Power Division spokesperson has clarified. The licensing process is governed by NEPRA regulations, and all electricity distribution companies must follow these rules. The spokesperson urged the federal government, the Ministry of Energy, and the Power Division to clearly explain any confusion over license conditions, saying that linking federal orders directly to the licensing system is factually incorrect.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has extended the deadline for the free solar panel scheme. Citizens can now apply until December this year. Domestic consumers whose monthly electricity use is up to 200 units are eligible, including those in lifeline and reserved categories with consumption up to 50 or 101–200 units.

Consumers with a sanctioned load up to 2 kilowatts can register through the official portal cmsolarscheme.punjab.gov.pk or by sending their electricity bill reference number and CNIC to 8800. In Sindh, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has inaugurated Phase II of a free solar project targeting 275000 deserving households. The launch event took place in Qambar Shahdad Kot, where he distributed solar kits to selected families.