PESHAWAR – Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has proposed a new plan that could put an additional burden on solar users across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The provincial government has planned to impose fixed charges on solar energy users based on the ratio of electricity they generate or consume.
This proposal primarily targets net metering customers, who rely on the grid during periods of low solar generation or when backup power is required.
According to a document shared by PESCO, the company suggests imposing charges on solar customers who benefit from net metering, a system where excess electricity generated by their solar panels is fed back into the grid.
PESCO argues that while solar users do not pay maintenance costs for the grid when exporting power, non-solar customers are burdened with the financial shortfall.
PESCO pointed out that the growing number of net metering customers is leading to a reduction in the revenue of distribution companies, creating a financial imbalance.
This is further exacerbated by the technical challenges of managing voltage fluctuations and maintaining grid stability, which require additional investments.
The document emphasized that imposing fixed charges on solar users would help achieve financial equilibrium within the system and ensure fair recovery of costs across all types of consumers.
The proposal has stirred discussions, as it would affect solar energy users, who have previously enjoyed certain incentives and benefits under the net metering scheme.
The final decision on the matter is yet to be made, with stakeholders monitoring the developments closely.
