The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has officially scrapped the licensing requirement and associated Rs1,000 per kilowatt fee for solar consumers with systems of 25 kilowatts or less. This decision, effective from February 9, 2026, comes after significant public backlash against previous regulations that imposed financial barriers on small solar users. The move is intended to restore a more accessible framework for solar energy adoption, aligning with the spirit of the 2015 regulations that previously allowed for easier installation of rooftop solar systems without additional fees or bureaucratic hurdles.
The reversal of the licensing requirement follows a directive from the Power Division, which recognized the adverse impact of the earlier regulations that centralized approval authority with NEPRA and imposed fees on small-scale solar installations. Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari emphasized the government's commitment to clean energy and consumer relief, stating that the decision aims to remove unnecessary burdens on citizens seeking to adopt solar solutions amid rising energy costs and unreliable grid supply. This regulatory change is seen as a crucial step in promoting renewable energy adoption in Pakistan, addressing public demand for accessible solar solutions.