As electricity costs continue to soar, a growing number of Pakistani citizens are opting to leave the national grid in favour of alternative energy sources.
The increasing basic electricity tariff and the imposition of fixed charges have prompted many to explore more cost-effective and sustainable options.
One of the most popular alternatives has been net metering, which has seen a significant rise in users across the country. Over the past year, the number of net metering users has skyrocketed from 60,000 to 200,000. This surge has effectively doubled the share of net metering in the country's energy mix, with capacity increasing from 1,500MW to 3,000MW.
The shift toward net metering has also led to a 12% annual reduction in overall electricity consumption within the national grid. As more people turn to solar energy, there has been a noticeable impact on grid demand, leading to challenges for consumers who remain reliant on the traditional grid.
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Currently, Pakistan has 6,000 to 7,000MW of imported solar panels in use. This trend has raised concerns about the sustainability of the national grid, as the burden of maintaining the grid increasingly falls on fewer consumers.
Given the rising adoption of net metering, the government is now facing pressure to revise its agreements with independent power producers (IPPs). Adjusting these contracts may be one of the few viable options left to ensure the stability of the country's power supply while addressing the financial challenges posed by the shifting energy landscape.
This shift to solar power and net metering has not only boosted the adoption of solar systems across the country, but also created new business opportunities, generating employment and introducing fresh challenges, particularly in the area of "reverse metering."
For many citizens, the journey to solar energy begins with limited knowledge, prompting them to seek expert advice before choosing a solar system provider. However, the market today offers a range of solutions and pricing options that can make the decision process more complex.
