MEPCO Net Metering 2026: Rules, Documents, Fees, Timeline and Billing
In 2026, new solar users in MEPCO areas are billed under net billing, not the old one-to-one charge. The regulations allow the power company to charge you for the amount of power you consume at the normal tariff. It buys what you send at the National Average Energy Purchase Price. A three-phase connection, two-way meter and a signed 5 year agreement is required.
Rules checked against NEPRA documents on October 4, 2026.
When you are a MEPCO consumer considering installing solar panels, you might find yourself reading about “MEPCO net metering,” “green meter” or “solar net billing. The premise behind a solar system is that it can provide power to your property and any excess production may be exported to the distribution network under the applicable regulatory and interconnection framework.
There has been a change to the rules for distributed solar in 2026. The Prosumer Regulations, 2026, together with the amendments, have also been issued by NEPRA.Consumers planning a new solar connection should therefore check the latest applicable requirements before making an investment or signing an agreement.
This guide explains the MEPCO solar connection process, basic requirements, documents, metering arrangement and important points to consider before applying.
What Is MEPCO Net Metering?
MEPCO net metering is the procedure of linking the rooftop solar system to MEPCO grid so that the extra power can flow to the grid. MEPCO is the Multan Electric Power Company. Supplies around 34 million people in 13 districts of South Punjab.
In fact, the old “net metering” rules were removed. The 2026 regulations for NEPRA replaced the 2015 rules with net billing. The term “net metering” continues to be used, although no longer by people. An official term for someone who both consumes and produces electricity is a prosumer.
MEPCO Net Metering Quick Facts 2026
| Question | Answer | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Which rules apply? | NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026, notified February 9, 2026 | NEPRA regulation |
| Who can apply? | Three-phase 400 V or 11 kV consumers | NEPRA regulation |
| System types and size | Solar, wind or biogas, from 1 kW up to 1 MW | NEPRA regulation |
| Size limit by connection | Cannot exceed your sanctioned load | NEPRA regulation |
| Agreement length | 5 years, renewable | NEPRA regulation |
| Bill for grid power | Applicable tariff | NEPRA regulation |
| Payment for your exports | National Average Energy Purchase Price | NEPRA regulation |
| Reported buyback figure | About Rs10 to 11 per unit | Dawn, Geo |
| NEPRA fee, 25 kW or less | Nil | NEPRA S.R.O. 709(I)/2026 |
| NEPRA fee, above 25 kW | Rs1,000 per kW, one time | NEPRA S.R.O. 709(I)/2026 |
| Who approves 25 kW or less? | The distribution company (MEPCO) | NEPRA S.R.O. 1330(I)/2026 |
Net Metering vs Net Billing
Old net metering was conducted in such a way that an imported unit was canceled by an exported unit. Net billing has two money transactions.The regulation says units you take from the company are billed at the applicable tariff. Units you supply to the company are paid at the national average energy purchase price.
The new prosumers will be allowed to export at about Rs10-11 per unit, as opposed to about Rs26 per unit as per existing contracts, said Dawn. It has also mentioned that the imports will be charged Rs37 to 55 per unit (including taxes, surcharges and duties) on the respective slabs.
Point | Old net metering (2015) | Net billing (2026) |
Export value | Close to retail rate | National Average Energy Purchase Price |
Agreement length | 7 years | 5 years |
Interconnection costs | Often shared | Paid by the prosumer |
Rate review | Fixed by contract | NEPRA may revise the rate during the agreement |
The regulation lets NEPRA change the purchase rate during the life of an agreement and the new rate is treated as part of that agreement. Ask your installer to model your savings with a lower rate too.
How to Apply for MEPCO Net Metering
Here are some steps to follow:
1. Check that you qualify
Look at your recent bill. Your connection must be three-phase. Your solar system must not be larger than your sanctioned load. Also ask the sub-division office if your local transformer has space. MEPCO cannot accept your application if the solar capacity in that area has reached 80 percent of the limit.
2. Get the forms
MEPCO should give you the information and the forms approved by NEPRA without any cost within two working days. You do not have to pay anyone in between to get these forms.
3. Finalize the design
Your installer prepares the details such as the system ratings, the estimate of yearly use and production, and a single-line diagram. Ask for written proof that the inverter meets the UL 1741 standard.
4. File the application
Submit it at your MEPCO sub-division office along with a copy of your CNIC and the latest bill. I could not confirm if there is an online option for solar, so ask the office. Always take an acknowledgement slip with the date written on it.
5. Wait for the checks
MEPCO has 5 working days to confirm that your file is complete and 15 working days for the review.
6. Sign the agreement
This happens within 7 working days. The agreement is for 5 years. It can be renewed.
7. Pay the connection estimate
MEPCO issues the estimate within 7 working days. You need to pay within 7 working days. Ask for the breakdown on paper.
8. Get approval
For 25 kW or less, MEPCO approves it. There is no NEPRA fee. For more than 25 kW, NEPRA must agree and there is a one-time fee of Rs1,000 per kW.
9. Install and switch on
MEPCO has 15 working days to install the two-way meter. Do not export power until MEPCO confirms the connection is made.
Requirements for MEPCO Net Metering Connections
The regulation sets these conditions.
Connection type: An applicant is defined as a three-phase 400 V or 11 kV consumer. That covers domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and general services connections.
Energy source: Solar, wind or biogas, up to 1 MW.
Capacity: Your proposed system cannot exceed the sanctioned load of your premises. You can find your sanctioned load on your bill, and our guide to the MEPCO bill check shows how to open it.
Grid space: The company will not accept an application if distributed generation on the local distribution transformer has already reached 80 percent of its rated capacity. This is a real reason for rejection and it depends on your street, not on you.
Large systems: If the capacity of the system is 250 kW or more than 250 kW, then the company has to conduct a load flow study or a consultant registered with Pakistan Engineering Council must do the load flow study.
Equipment: The regulation states that the Grid connected Inverters should be UL 1741 certified and other international standards notified by NEPRA. A manual disconnect device (with a visible break) must also be installed, along with automatic protection to prevent reconnection until grid voltage and frequency are stable. The voltage tolerances are plus or minus 5 percent, and the frequency tolerances are plus or minus 1 percent.
Documents Required for MEPCO Net Metering
The regulation’s standard application form asks for these items. Your office may ask for more.
Item | What it covers |
Applicant details | Name, CNIC copy, address, phone, email |
System location | Where the solar system will be installed |
Energy estimate | Expected yearly use, expected yearly production and the difference |
Inverter details | Maker, model, version, serial number, nameplate ratings |
Single-line diagram | A drawing showing how the system connects |
Installer details | Firm name, contact and address |
Signatures | Applicant and installer |
Common extras listed by guides include your latest MEPCO bill, panel and inverter datasheets and proof of ownership or the owner’s permission.
The regulation also forces the company to hand over its information and NEPRA approved documents free of cost within two working days of your request. Use that right.
How to Apply: Timeline From the Regulation
The regulation’s standard applicatioThe regulation sets maximum times for the company at each stage. These are the legal limits, not a promise of speed.n form asks for these items. Your office may ask for more.
Stage | Time the company has |
Acknowledge application and say whether it is complete | 5 working days |
You supply any missing documents | 3 working days |
Initial technical review | 15 working days |
Return an infeasible application with reasons | 3 working days after review |
Sign the agreement if everything is in order | 7 working days |
Issue the connection charge estimate | 7 working days after the agreement |
You pay the estimate | 7 working days |
Install and commission the interconnection facility | 15 working days after payment |
If every stage used its full time, this adds up to about 56 working days, a little over eleven weeks. One installer guide warns that busy seasons can take up to 90 days, which is longer than the paper timeline. Keep every receipt and date.
How to Apply: Timeline From the Regulation
The regulation’s standard applicatioThe regulation sets maximum times for the company at each stage. These are the legal limits, not a promise of speed.n form asks for these items. Your office may ask for more.
Stage | Time the company has |
Acknowledge application and say whether it is complete | 5 working days |
You supply any missing documents | 3 working days |
Initial technical review | 15 working days |
Return an infeasible application with reasons | 3 working days after review |
Sign the agreement if everything is in order | 7 working days |
Issue the connection charge estimate | 7 working days after the agreement |
You pay the estimate | 7 working days |
Install and commission the interconnection facility | 15 working days after payment |
If every stage used its full time, this adds up to about 56 working days, a little over eleven weeks. One installer guide warns that busy seasons can take up to 90 days, which is longer than the paper timeline. Keep every receipt and date.
Approval route
NEPRA’s August 6, 2026 amendment states that a prosumer system of 25kW or less is not required to seek NEPRA’s approval, the company grants its approval. If the system is larger, the company will provide the necessary papers and forward your application to NEPRA that may be concurred with within 7 working days of receipt of papers. If you don’t get going within 6 months you lose the concurrence and changes to the technical parameters require renewed concurrence.
Billing under the new arrangement begins once concurrence or approval is granted.
Before you switch on
The sample agreement asks you to give written notice at least fifteen working days before connecting. The company can then test the system and testing is meant to finish within ten working days. Do not export before this is done.
MEPCO Net Metering Cost: Fees and Charges
Cost | What the documents say |
NEPRA fee, 25 kW or less | Nil, from February 9, 2026 |
NEPRA fee, above 25 kW | Rs1,000 per kW, paid once to NEPRA |
Interconnection costs | The prosumer pays for interconnection facilities up to the interconnection point, including the metering installation |
Company costs | The prosumer also pays reasonable costs the company incurs on improvements needed solely for your connection |
Meter | If the company has no meter available, you may buy one yourself and the company tests it before installation |
Solar system | Depends on size, brand and installer |
I did not find an official MEPCO price list for the connection charge estimate so I have not printed any number for it. It is the company’s estimate to you, issued after the agreement is signed. Ask for the breakdown in writing. Some websites quote application and inspection fees for MEPCO but they do not cite an official source and I could not confirm them.
The Meter: Green Meter and Bidirectional Meter
“Green meter” is the popular name. The regulation lets the company use either one standard meter that records flow in both directions or two separate meters, one for what you sell and one for what you buy. If two meters are used, the calculation must give the same result as a single meter. Meter readings are preferably taken with hand held units and, where NEPRA directs, by automated means. Our guide to the MEPCO smart AMI meter explains the newer digital meters.
MEPCO Net Metering Billing: How It Works
A billing cycle is the energy recorded in thirty days. At the end of each cycle, the company raises your bill after counting what you generated and what you used.
If the value of what you sent to the grid is more than the value of what you took, the extra amount is credited against your next billing cycle or paid to you by the company every quarter.
Here is an example with made-up numbers. It ignores taxes, slabs and fixed charges. The import rate is Rs45 and the export rate is Rs10. A home uses 600 units a month and its panels make 500 units.
Item | No solar | Solar, night heavy use | Solar, daytime use |
Used directly from panels | 0 | 300 units | 400 units |
Exported | 0 | 200 units | 100 units |
Imported | 600 units | 300 units | 200 units |
Import cost | Rs27,000 | Rs13,500 | Rs9,000 |
Export credit | 0 | Rs2,000 | Rs1,000 |
Bill | Rs27,000 | Rs11,500 | Rs8,000 |
Moving heavy appliances into the sunny hours saves another Rs3,500 in this example. That is the key lesson of net billing: use your own solar power yourself.
What About People Who Already Have Net Metering?
As notified initially, the new regulation in February would have transferred all current agreements to the new billing. Following public and political opposition, NEPRA issued a draft amendment on 17th February, 2026. Anyone with a valid agreement under the repealed rules will be invoiced under the previous rate and method until the agreement has expired. This protection has been granted by NEPRA till the end of the seven years contracts, Business Recorder reports.
An amendment notification S.R.O. 547(I)/2026 dated 02 April 2026 has been mentioned on NEPRA’s news page. This file is a scanned image and I have not been able to read it, so I can’t be sure of its exact wording. Read your contract and request MEPCO to provide you with a written confirmation of your billing basis.
Your Agreement: Things to Read Carefully
The agreement is NEPRA’s standard form so every company uses similar terms. The main points:
The term is five years and can be renewed for further five year terms by mutual consent. You can end it with thirty days written notice if you stop selling electricity. The company can end it with thirty days notice, but needs NEPRA’s prior approval.
The company may limit or disconnect your system at any time, with or without notice, in case of a fault. It can also do so with thirty days written notice for maintenance, for non-compliance, or when the agreement ends.
You cannot use the company’s network to sell electricity to anyone else.
You must carry insurance for third-party injury and general liability. The sample agreement also asks for forty working days of notice before any material change to the system, such as a higher output and for fresh concurrence where applicable.
The company may inspect your system at reasonable times, and you remain responsible for maintaining it.
Choosing the Right System Size
Use your annual use and your daytime share. Net billing means that when you use a unit you actually save the full tariff, but when you export a unit you get much less than the full tariff. It is better to get a system close to the load you will be using during the day rather than a very large system. Your capacity is never going to be higher than your sanctioned load anyway.
Request a written production estimate from your installer and also one with a lower export rate, for payback calculations. The sample agreement includes the term energy storage device which applies to applicants who install batteries, if they are planning to install batteries, please consult MEPCO on how to declare them.
Common Mistakes
The most expensive one is to purchase panels without verifying your qualification. Check your connection type, sanctioned load and transformer space first. Others include signing without reading up the buyback clause, getting cash without receipts, exporting prior to testing and approval by the company, and believing in old posts that still talk about the one-to-one swap.
Problems, Delays and Complaints
If you hear nothing within the regulation’s times, go back to the office with your acknowledgement slip and ask which stage your file is at. Then write to the Executive Engineer. The regulation says any dispute between a prosumer and a company is decided by NEPRA and NEPRA’s website has a consumer complaint registration and tracking section. Third-party websites list the MEPCO helpline as 0800-63726. Confirm it on mepco.com.pk before relying on it.
FAQs
Is MEPCO net metering still available in 2026?
It is still possible to connect solar and sell excess power, however, under “net billing” arrangements. The 2015 net metering regulations were repealed.
What are the MEPCO net metering requirements?
Three phase 400V or 11KV connection, renewable system 1KW to 1MW, capacity in sanctioned load limit, compliant inverter and space on the local transformer.
Can I apply with a single-phase connection?
All electricity consumers are classified as three-phase 400 V or 11 kV consumers and are considered applicants. Don’t spend money until you check with your sub-division office.
What documents are needed for MEPCO net metering?
The standard form requires your CNIC, address, system location, energy estimates, inverter information, single line diagram and installer information.
How much does MEPCO net metering cost?
The fee that NEPRA charges is zero for systems of 25 kW or less and Rs1000/KW for greater than 25 kW. There are also interconnection and metering charges, which MEPCO estimates following signing of the agreement.
Who approves a small system?
It is approved by the distribution company for 25kW and under. NEPRA’s consent is not required.
How long does MEPCO net metering approval take?
The limits of the regulation total about 56 “working days” although in reality, longer cases may occur.
What is the buyback rate?
Dawn and Geo told about two prices: Rs10 and Rs11 per unit. NEPRA can alter it if necessary, but be sure to check the current number.
How is the MEPCO net metering bill calculated?
Importations are charged at your tariff. Value of exports at the National Average Energy Purchase Price. If exports are worth more, the balance is carried forward or paid quarterly.
What happens if my exports are worth more than my imports?
Net amount is credited to subsequent cycle or paid by the company every quarter.
Is my old agreement affected?
NEPRA’s draft amendment safeguards existing valid old agreements until their expiration. Request a letter of confirmation from MEPCO.
How long is the agreement?
Five years with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement.
Final Thoughts
When the majority of the solar still is used for personal consumption, it reduces the costs of your energy bills, but the economics have shifted. Make sure you qualify, get estimates in writing, read the agreement, and retain all receipts and dates. This is where to look if anything changes on the NEPRA website.