ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has pointed out that 66% of the country’s electricity generation capacity remained unused during the 2023-24 fiscal year. At the same time, the report noted a significant rise in solar energy use, with the total net metering capacity reaching 2,200 megawatts.
According to NEPRA, the number of solar users has now exceeded 156,000, reflecting the growing interest in solar power, especially in rural areas. To meet this demand, thousands of megawatts of solar panels have been imported.
NEPRA urged policymakers to consider the future of solar energy as its use continues to rise and to plan accordingly for the expansion of this sector.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has highlighted the flaws and issues in Pakistan’s electricity system, revealing in its report that there has been a significant increase in the number of solar energy users in 2024.
According to NEPRA’s report, the number of solar users has now surpassed 156,000, showing a major rise.
The report also mentioned that the solar net metering capacity has reached 2,200 megawatts, with a noticeable increase in the use of solar power in rural areas. To meet the growing demand, thousands of megawatts of solar panels have been imported.
NEPRA emphasized the need for policymakers to plan for the future, given the increasing use of solar energy across the country.
The report further stated that Pakistan’s total electricity generation capacity stands at 45,888 megawatts, but during the 2023-24 fiscal year, 66% of this capacity went unused.
NEPRA also said that consumers have suffered due to the underutilization of electricity capacity, which led to extra costs in the form of capacity payments and higher electricity prices.
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The report noted that consumers paid an additional 17 rupees per unit as part of capacity payments.
Due to faults in the system, high-voltage transmission lines have not been able to deliver electricity at full capacity, the report added.
The report mentioned that added charges and taxes on electricity bills have further contributed to the rising cost of electricity.
