The new government in Pakistan plans to increase the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 30% by 2030.[1] A country endowed with enormous renewable resources yet with less than 5 % of renewables in the existing mix, the ambitious target has revitalized efforts for promoting Distributed Generation via engaging domestic, commercial, agriculture and industrial sectors apart from the large-scale grid-connected projects. Net Metering plays a crucial role to unleash Pakistan´s prosumer potential. But these efforts have been counteracted by inefficient regulatory procedures and uncooperative distribution companies. Pakistan is now tackling some of these barriers.
Net-Metering regulations for Distributed Generation in Pakistan have been in force since September 1, 2015. However among many challenges, the complex regulatory procedure for availing net-metering facility and uncooperative behavior of power distribution companies for issuing licenses ended up in demotivating the prospective prosumers at the very initial stage of the process. To tackle these barriers, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) of Pakistan in a recent move digitalized the net metering application process, allowing processing of all net metering applications online.[2] The digitalized system is expected to make the process more efficient.
Furthermore, DISCO’s have been directed to promote and ease distributed energy installations for net metering by establishing one window for interested net-metering electricity consumers.[3] The one window facility will provide all services with reference to net-metering regulations at one place and special focal persons will cater to the needs of interested applicants.[4] All the DISCOs will also have to run a comprehensive awareness campaign for educating the consumers regarding benefits of net-metering. It was further directed to strictly monitor all targets in this regard.
As per the Renewable Energy Attractiveness Index, Pakistan has already been ranked amongst the 40 globally most attractive countries. Henceforth, large scale investment alongside distributed generation collectively could spur the shift toward renewable energy. Many challenges remain yet these starting points in terms of changing regulations are laudable initiatives for instigating a smooth inclusive transition space.
Full Country Report Pakistan “The Missing Link to Solar Energy Transition: Tapping Into the Hidden Power of Residential Prosumers”: https://energy-democracy.org/the-missing-link-to-solar-energy-transition-pakistans-need-for-a-prosumer-driven-policy/
[1] Khan, Israr. “Govt to Bring Renewable Energy Share to 30pc by 2030.” Thenews. March 13, 2019. Accessed July 18, 2019. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443546-govt-to-bring-renewable-energy-share-to-30pc-by-2030.
[2] http://www.aedb.org/articles-list/290-the-net-metering-application-process-in-pakistan-is-digitalized
[3]https://asianetpakistan.com/official-news/393205/special-instruction-for-promotion-of-solar-energy-net-metering-issues-will-benefit-consumers-by-reducing-the-monthly-bills/
[4] https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/491072-discos-ordered-to-promote-easy-installation-of-net-metering
