Net Metering IPPs to Add Rs4 per Unit, Says Awais Leghari
Summary: Pakistan’s energy minister Awais Leghari announced plans to establish net metering IPPs, cautioning that the system could add ~Rs4 per unit to consumer bills. He also said flood-affected areas will receive relief, Lesco donated Rs20m, and the ECC approved relief tied to a Rs50bn levy on captive power plants.
What exactly did the minister announce?
Net metering independent power producers (IPPs) will be established, and, according to Awais Leghari, the system would place an additional burden of about Rs4 per unit on consumers. He framed the move as necessary and said the issue “could not be left unattended.”
Why does the “Rs4 per unit” matter for consumers?
An added ~Rs4/kWh changes monthly bills meaningfully at common usage levels. The minister noted around 18 million consumers already receive ~70% discounted electricity and that some households with solar have dropped usage below 200 units, softening their bills.
Quick estimate: Extra cost ≈ Units consumed × Rs4.
Example: 250 units → ~Rs1,000 additional.
How does net metering fit in ?
Net metering lets solar owners send surplus power to the grid and offset their bill. Under the announced approach, net metering IPPs would participate more formally in supply—yet the minister says this configuration could still add ~Rs4/unit to end-user costs.
Who gets relief right now?
Leghari said flood-affected areas will receive relief. He also reiterated that millions of consumers already benefit from significant bill discounts, and many solar households under 200 units have seen lower bills.
ECC decision and Lesco donation—what else changed?
- The ECC approved a summary to provide relief to national-grid consumers on account of the Rs50bn collected via a levy on captive power plants.
- During the press conference, Lesco’s CEO presented a Rs20m cheque (one-day staff salary) for flood victims.
Quick Impact Matrix
| Consumer segment | Likely impact from ~Rs4/unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grid-only households (200–300 units) | Moderate | Extra ≈ Rs800–Rs1,200/month, usage dependent. |
| Solar households under 200 units | Lower | Already reduced bills via lower net usage; effect depends on net consumption after exports. |
| Flood-affected areas | Relief expected | Minister said relief will be provided. Details pending. |
| National-grid consumers (ECC relief context) | Offset possible | ECC approved relief tied to Rs50bn levy on captive power plants. Implementation specifics not stated. |
Note: Figures are directional; actual bills depend on slabs, surcharges, and official notifications.
How to estimate your own bill impact (30-second check)
- Find last month’s net billed units.
- Multiply units by Rs4 → approx. extra amount.
- Adjust for solar exports (if any) and any applicable relief/discounts.
Minister’s stance on governance
Addressing criticism, Leghari rejected allegations of political appointments, saying the company has been empowered and that power sector decisions are being taken to stabilize the system.
FAQs
Will every consumer pay the extra ~Rs4 per unit?
Not necessarily. The minister said net metering IPPs would add about Rs4/unit to the system; final impact depends on tariff notifications, usage, discount eligibility, and relief programs.
I have rooftop solar and stay under 200 units—what happens to me?
Leghari noted many solar households below 200 units have lower bills. Your net impact depends on net consumption after solar exports and any applicable discounts.
What relief is planned for flood-affected areas?
The minister said relief will be provided. Specific mechanisms/timelines weren’t detailed in the remarks you shared.
What did the ECC approve?
The ECC approved a summary to provide relief to national-grid consumers in connection with Rs50bn collected through a levy on captive power plants. Details of how the relief will be passed through were not provided here.
Why does the minister say “electricity price has decreased” but some bills haven’t?
Per Leghari, overall prices decreased and the difference is visible for many; households not seeing reductions may be affected by usage patterns, slabs, or charges beyond unit price.