Policy explainer

Net-Billing 2026: what NEPRA's new rules mean for your solar payback

On 9 February 2026, NEPRA replaced the old net-metering regime with the new Prosumer (Net-Billing) Regulations (SRO 251(I)/2026). The headline change: excess export buyback fell from PKR 27/unit to ~PKR 10/unit. Self-consumption and hybrid systems now carry the math.

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The six things you actually need to know

Effective date

SRO 251(I)/2026, notified 9 February 2026. Applies to all new prosumer applications from that date.

New buyback rate

Excess generation exported to the grid is paid at ~PKR 10/unit (was PKR 27/unit under the old net-metering regime).

Contract length

5 years (renewable). Previously 7 years.

Capacity cap

100% of your sanctioned load. Your system cannot exceed it.

Grandfathering

Applications filed before 9 Feb 2026 are grandfathered at the old higher buyback rates for the remainder of their contract.

Regulator

NEPRA, with certification handled through PPIB. Installer certification still required.

Old net-metering vs. new net-billing

The economics flipped, and your installer should be telling you that hybrid + battery is now usually the better choice.

Metric	Old (pre-Feb 2026)	New (Net-Billing 2026)
Buyback rate	PKR 27/unit	~PKR 10/unit
Contract length	7 years	5 years
Typical payback (residential)	3 to 5 years	7 to 12 years
System sizing	Up to 1.25× sanctioned load	100% of sanctioned load
Economic story	Sell at high rate, self-consume little	Self-consume + battery for ROI
Best system type	On-grid net-metering	Hybrid + battery (bill > PKR 50k)

Translation: a 10 kW on-grid system that used to pay back in about 4 years now pays back closer to 8 to 10 years if you export aggressively. The fix is to size for self-consumption (battery, hybrid, daytime load shifting). That's where the real economics live now.

How to apply for net-billing in 5 steps

1
Confirm DISCO + sanctioned load
Your DISCO bill shows the sanctioned load in kW. The new rules cap your system at 100% of this number.
2
Engage a certified installer
Required for net-billing approval. HiTech Energy is certified — installer ref will be provided with your proposal.
3
Submit prosumer application to your DISCO
Includes load survey, single-line diagram, plot plan, NTN / CNIC copies, installer certificate, and IRR worksheet.
4
DISCO inspection + bi-directional meter installation
Typically 4–8 weeks. DISCO replaces your meter with a bi-directional one; you sign the 5-year prosumer contract.
5
System commissioning + first bill cycle
Generation logged on the meter. Excess exports are credited at PKR 10/unit on your subsequent bills.