Net billing is the new framework for rooftop solar users in Pakistan. It was introduced through NEPRA's Prosumer Regulations 2026, notified in February 2026, replacing the net metering regulations of 2015 for new and renewed connections. Under net billing, the electricity you import from the grid and the electricity you export to the grid are valued separately, at different rates.
Rules in this area have been changing, so check NEPRA and your DISCO for the latest position before making investment decisions.
Net billing in simple words
- Imported units (from the grid) are charged at your normal tariff, including adjustments and taxes.
- Exported units (to the grid) are bought by the DISCO at a lower rate linked to the national average energy purchase price — reported at around Rs 11 per unit when the regulations were notified.
- Your bill shows the import charge minus the value of export credit.
Under the old net metering system, one exported unit could cancel one imported unit. Under net billing, an exported unit is worth much less than an imported unit.
Key features reported in the 2026 regulations
- Applies to prosumers up to 1 MW, including solar, wind and biogas.
- New agreements for five years, renewable by mutual consent.
- Generation capacity limited to your sanctioned load.
- Two-way metering using one bidirectional meter or two separate meters.
- Surplus credit adjusted in the next bill or settled periodically.
- No new connections when solar on a transformer reaches 80% of its capacity; larger systems may need a load flow study.
- Existing net metering contracts continue until they expire.
Example
Suppose in one month you import 400 units at an average of Rs 50 per unit (including adjustments) and export 300 units at Rs 11 per unit.
- Import cost: 400 × 50 = Rs 20,000 (plus taxes as applicable)
- Export credit: 300 × 11 = Rs 3,300
- Approximate net: Rs 16,700 before taxes
Under old one-to-one net metering, the same household would have been charged for roughly 100 net units. This example uses illustrative rates only; real bills depend on your tariff and taxes.
How to get the most from solar under net billing
- Shift loads to daytime: run ACs, motors, washing machines and geysers (electric) when the sun is strong.
- Right-size the system: a system designed mostly for export gives lower returns now.
- Consider storage: batteries can store midday surplus for evening use.
- Maintain panels: clean them regularly; dust in Pakistani cities can cut output noticeably.
- Check your bill: confirm import/export readings and the export rate applied.
Applying for a net billing connection
The process is similar to the old net metering application: submit an application to your DISCO through an approved installer, provide technical documents, pay applicable fees, get the bidirectional meter installed and sign the agreement. Your installer should be familiar with current DISCO requirements.
Bottom line
Net billing reduces the value of exported electricity, but solar can still cut bills substantially when most of the generation is used on-site. Read our comparison of net metering vs net billing for a side-by-side view.