How to Apply for Net Metering in Pakistan
The real-world net metering experience
Net metering paperwork in Pakistan takes longer than the solar installation itself — that's the irony. Your panels go up in 3-5 days, but the DISCO approval can take 30-90 days depending on your region. LESCO in Lahore processes fastest (30-45 days on average), while smaller DISCOs can take 60-90 days. During this waiting period, your system generates electricity but you can't export to the grid — the excess is wasted unless you have battery storage. Some homeowners time their installation to coincide with winter (lower generation, lower waste during the approval wait) and have net metering active by summer peak.
The application requires coordination between you, your installer, AEDB, and your DISCO. Most good installers handle the paperwork as part of their service — if yours doesn't offer this, it's a red flag about their experience. The most common rejection reasons: inverter not on the DISCO's approved list (verify before buying), incomplete single-line diagram (your installer should prepare this), and mismatch between installed capacity and application (they must match exactly, down to the watt).
Apply through your DISCO. Requirements: on-grid solar system, AEDB registration, bi-directional meter. Approval: 30-90 days. Excess solar feeds the grid, reducing your bill.
Related: net metering, panel sizing, solar calculator.
Net Metering Application — Step-by-Step with Timeline
| Step | Action | Where | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install on-grid solar system | Your rooftop (via installer) | 2-5 days | System cost (Rs. 150-200K/kW) |
| 2 | Register with AEDB | aedb.org online portal | 15-30 days | Free |
| 3 | Submit application to DISCO | LESCO/MEPCO/FESCO office | 1 day (filing) | Application fee Rs. 1,000-3,000 |
| 4 | DISCO technical inspection | Inspector visits your site | 15-30 days after filing | Free (included in application) |
| 5 | Bi-directional meter installed | DISCO installs at your meter | 7-15 days after approval | Rs. 5,000-15,000 (meter cost) |
| 6 | Net metering activated | Automatic after meter swap | 1-3 days | Free |
Which DISCO Covers Your Area
| DISCO | Coverage Area | Net Metering Contact | Processing Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| LESCO | Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Okara | lesco.gov.pk | 30-45 days (fastest) |
| MEPCO | South Punjab (Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan) | mepco.com.pk | 45-60 days |
| FESCO | Faisalabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh | fesco.com.pk | 30-45 days |
| IESCO | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum | iesco.com.pk | 45-60 days |
| GEPCO | Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad | gepco.com.pk | 45-60 days |
| PESCO | KPK (Peshawar, Mardan, Swat) | pesco.com.pk | 60-90 days |
| K-Electric | Karachi | ke.com.pk | 45-60 days |
Calculate your savings: solar savings calculator. Size your system: panel sizing calculator. Compare system types: on-grid vs off-grid. Government subsidy: Punjab solar subsidy.
Common application rejections: Inverter not on DISCO's approved list (verify before purchasing), incomplete single-line diagram, mismatch between installed capacity and application (ensure they match exactly), and AEDB registration number missing or expired. Have your installer prepare all technical documents — most good installers handle the net metering paperwork as part of their service. If your installer doesn't offer this, it's a red flag about their experience.
When evaluating metering, the Pakistan-specific factors matter more than generic international advice. Our dust levels require cleaning every 2-4 weeks (not the 3-6 months recommended by Western guides). Summer temperatures above 45°C reduce panel efficiency by 10-15% — meaning real-world output is lower than spec-sheet ratings. Grid voltage fluctuations can damage inverters without surge protection (Rs. 5,000-10,000 investment that protects a Rs. 50,000-150,000 component). And the net metering approval timeline varies dramatically by DISCO — LESCO processes in 30-45 days while smaller DISCOs may take 60-90 days. Every recommendation on this page accounts for these Pakistan-specific realities that international solar guides miss entirely.
The net metering application requires a single-line diagram of your solar system — a technical drawing showing panel configuration, inverter connections, and grid tie-in point. Your installer should prepare this as part of their service. If they charge extra for it or seem unfamiliar with the DISCO submission format, consider whether they have sufficient experience with grid-tied installations in your area.
Always verify current requirements. Fees, timelines, and document requirements can change without advance notice. Check the relevant official website or call the office before your visit to confirm the latest requirements.