ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has abolished the requirement for obtaining a license for solar consumers with systems up to 25 kilowatts, providing relief to small-scale users across Pakistan.
According to the regulator’s spokesperson, the decision was taken after the Power Division, on the directions of Federal Minister Awais Leghari, formally requested the removal of the licensing condition for low-capacity solar consumers.
Following the request, NEPRA issued a notification eliminating the requirement, which had earlier mandated grid-connected solar users to obtain licenses and pay a fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt.
Previously, the licensing condition applied only to solar systems exceeding 25kW. However, the regulator had recently proposed extending it to all grid-connected users, triggering concern among consumers.
With the latest decision, users operating solar systems of 25kW or below will no longer be required to obtain a license, easing regulatory burdens and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy at the household and small business level.
NEPRA also clarified that solar systems not connected to the national grid do not require any licensing, reaffirming its stance to facilitate off-grid renewable solutions.
