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Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has questioned Energy Minister Awais Leghari’s claim that net metering causes Rs 150 billion in losses to power distribution companies (DISCOs). Ismail disputed the figures, arguing that DISCOs purchased only 1,269 GWh from solar consumers last year, costing Rs 34.3 billion—far lower than Leghari’s estimate. He emphasized that this accounts for less than 1% of total electricity purchased and just 5% of distribution losses.
Criticizing the government’s focus on cutting net metering benefits instead of tackling transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, Ismail noted that these losses are 20 times greater than solar power purchases. He also questioned why new solar consumers are paid only Rs 10 per unit while electricity is sold at Rs 48.8 per unit.
Additionally, Ismail pointed out regional disparities in net metering adoption and raised concerns about the lack of visible reductions in power bills despite renegotiated Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts. His remarks highlight growing concerns over rising electricity tariffs and energy policies, calling for transparency and fairness in pricing.
