Awais Leghari has taken serious notice of delays in the processing of net metering connections across the country.
According to reports, the federal minister directed all power distribution companies (DISCOs) to accelerate the approval and installation process for net metering connections and warned that companies responsible for unnecessary delays could face penalties.
During a briefing, officials informed the minister that around 1,355 net metering applications are currently pending with various DISCOs.
The minister was also told that several applications were rejected because transformers had not been properly tagged with net metering consumers.
Officials further revealed that the time being taken to resolve these issues is exceeding the limits set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
Expressing concern over the slow progress, Awais Leghari ordered all DISCOs to clear the pending cases and complete the installation of remaining net metering connections by June 1.
He also warned that administrative action would be taken against officials of the worst-performing DISCOs, including Superintending Engineers (SEs), Executive Engineers (XENs), and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs).
The minister stated that officers failing to improve performance could also face suspension of bonuses.
Power division rejects claims linking solar net metering licenses
Earlier, the Power Division dismissed reports suggesting that new licensing requirements for solar net metering are tied to federal government directives, according to media report.
A spokesperson said that linking the licensing process of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) with the federal government is inaccurate. They said that well-defined regulations for obtaining licenses already exist and fall solely under NEPRA’s authority.
The statement added that all electricity distribution companies are obligated to follow NEPRA’s rules in matters concerning net metering. It further emphasised that neither the federal government, the Ministry of Energy, nor the Power Division has introduced any new licensing conditions, calling such claims misleading.
Also read: Power division rejects claims linking solar net metering licenses
