Politicians dispute solar net-metering policy changes

A debate took place on Thursday between former finance minister Miftah Ismail and Federal Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari. This argument was about the government's plan to reduce solar net-metering rates, which allows users to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. Ismail criticized the government for changing its policy on rooftop solar users. He mentioned that the government plans to impose an Rs8 sales tax on each unit of electricity bought from these solar users. He pointed out that while the government struggles to buy electricity from them, it pays a higher rate to independent power producers. Ismail argued that this kind of management affects the attractiveness of Pakistan for foreign investments in industries. On the other hand, Leghari responded by saying Ismail was spreading misinformation. He defended the government's energy policies, highlighting that the changes would ultimately make solar energy cheaper and increase its share in the national grid. According to Leghari, around 4,000 MW of solar energy has already been added, and they expect this to rise to over 12,000 MW in eight years. Leghari assured current solar users that they would continue to benefit from existing tariffs, while future users could recoup their investments within a few years. He also mentioned that the government renegotiated contracts with power producers, which would save consumers money through lower electricity prices. Additionally, Leghari emphasized Pakistan's success in increasing clean energy sources, which made up over 55 percent of the national grid the previous year. He projected that this figure would rise to 85 percent soon. He dismissed Ismail’s comments as politically motivated, defending the government's efforts to stabilize essential supplies across sectors like energy and agriculture.