Govt Delays Solar Net Metering ‘Rationalization’ Amid Public Pressure

The Power Division has temporarily postponed its net metering tariff rationalization plan due to recent electricity tariff hikes and mounting public pressure. Initially, Prime Minister had directed the Power Division to finalize the plan by May 31, 2024, later extended twice, with the new deadline now set for September 30, 2024. However, no specific date has been provided for the plan’s introduction, reported Business Recorder. Meanwhile, the restructuring of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) is ongoing. It has been disclosed that other efforts to operationalize a competitive electricity market and address wheeling charges alongside evaluations of stranded capacity costs. The Power Division is also working with the Sindh government to expand the Thar coal mine project. Also, talks with China are progressing to convert the Sahiwal, Port Qasim, and Hub China coal power plants to Thar coal by July 1, 2029. On the privatization front, the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation has approved the sale of IESCO, FESCO, GEPCO, and several other state-owned entities by January 1, 2026. It bears mentioning that discussions with World Bank officials to review progress on energy sector reforms and future projects will take place during their visit on September 18-20, 2024.