ISLAMABAD – Solar power generation in Islamabad has crossed a major milestone, with residents now generating over 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity through rooftop solar systems under the net metering initiative.
According to data shared by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), 8,702 net metering connections with a total capacity of 106.43 MW had been installed by February 2023. Since then, more systems have been added, likely pushing the figure well beyond the 100MW mark in Islamabad alone.
IESCO’s jurisdiction includes areas outside Islamabad, but even excluding those, experts estimate that the capital city’s share of solar energy production has surged in the last year.
IESCO spokesperson Asim Nazir Raja told APP that a total of 9,177 applications had been received, amounting to 114.29 MW in proposed generation capacity. NEPRA has already issued licenses to 9,122 connections, covering 113.68 MW.
Import-export billing—where consumers are credited for supplying excess power to the grid—has commenced on 7,781 connections, collectively producing 95.35 MW. These systems have so far exported 133.5 million units and imported 167.3 million units of electricity.
Raja noted that IESCO had paid Rs2.32 million to net metering consumers up until June 2022 for their surplus power contributions.
The net metering regime, introduced across Pakistan in 2016, enables domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers with three-phase meters to install solar systems and sell extra energy to their respective DISCOs (Distribution Companies).
While IESCO grants licenses for systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW), systems beyond this capacity fall under NEPRA’s licensing authority.
The rising adoption of net metering reflects growing consumer interest in energy independence, lower power bills, and a cleaner energy future. With fuel costs rising and electricity shortages common, solar power is becoming a smart long-term investment for urban households and businesses.