The federal government has decided not to impose net billing charges on existing solar consumers, offering temporary relief amid growing debate over changes to the country’s net metering framework.

Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari announced the development during an appearance on a private media talkshow, stating that no changes would be made to the net metering policy for at least one month. He said the move was taken on the instructions of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif.

Leghari clarified that revisions under the proposed net billing policy would apply only to new solar consumers. Existing users, he said, would remain protected under the current structure.

The decision comes after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) announced a reduction in the rates at which electricity is sold to the national grid.

Under the new regulations, existing solar consumers will continue to sell electricity to the grid at the previous rate of Rs25.32 per unit. However, for new consumers, the rate for electricity sold to the national grid will be reduced by Rs17.19 per unit - a significant cut.

The proposed changes have sparked criticism, including from within the ruling coalition. Leghari acknowledged that government’s allies are opposing the move to end net metering for solar users, adding candidly that even his own wife disagrees with the policy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken immediate notice of NEPRA’s new solar-related regulations a day earlier, prompting the government to review the matter before implementing any changes.