Islamabad: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has proposed an amendment to the Prosumer Regulations, 2026, shortly after their implementation, to address concerns from parliamentarians and rooftop solar users. Despite these adjustments, the amendment does not overturn the transition from net-metering to net-billing, a change that critics argue could deter rooftop solar adoption and clash with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s manifesto pledge to support solar energy growth.

According to Free and Fair Election Network, NEPRA's proposed amendment, published on February 17, 2026, seeks public opinion as required by law. The amendment aims to maintain the validity of approvals, licenses, and agreements made under the previous 2015 net-metering regulations. Existing distributed generators would continue to operate under the old billing system until their agreements expire.

The amendment, if enacted, would be retroactive to February 9, 2026, coinciding with the enforcement of the Prosumer Regulations, 2026. However, it does not modify the main policy change that replaced net-metering with net-billing for new distributed generators. Under this new system, electricity imported from distribution companies is billed at the retail tariff, while exported electricity is compensated at the national average energy purchase price.

The shift to net-billing has sparked debate about its alignment with the PML-N's electoral promises. The PML-N's GE-2024 manifesto emphasized promoting a "solar revolution" and supporting rooftop and distributed solar power with incentives for local manufacturing. Critics from the parliament and media argue that the new policy could hinder rooftop solar production, raising questions about whether regulatory decisions should be influenced by electoral commitments when they potentially impact financial incentives for new solar entrants.