ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed that the government’s policy on solar energy remains unchanged, emphasising its commitment to renewable energy promotion.
Chairing a review meeting on the power sector, the premier stated that a comprehensive strategy is being developed to reduce electricity tariffs, with an official announcement expected soon.
He directed authorities to address public concerns regarding the solarization policy, urging them to share accurate facts and statistics to counter misconceptions.
PM Shehbaz clarified that there has been no shift in the government’s renewable energy priorities and instructed officials to expedite legal and procedural matters concerning the liquidation of power generation companies.
He further stressed the need to accelerate the privatization process of power distribution companies, reiterating that a well-structured plan to lower electricity tariffs is in progress and will be revealed soon.
Expressing confidence in power sector reforms, the prime minister stated that these measures would help ease the financial burden on consumers. He also called for enhanced coordination between the Power, Water Resources, and Petroleum Divisions to ensure a more comprehensive energy strategy.
It is worth noting that the government recently revised its net metering policy, significantly reducing benefits for new solar panel owners by 63%.
Under the new rules, rooftop solar panel owners will now be compensated at Rs10 per unit for selling electricity back to the national grid, while they will have to purchase power at approximately Rs65 per unit, a staggering 550% increase in the cost difference.
