The Power Division has formally approached National Electric Power Regulatory Authority to abolish application fees and licensing requirements for solar consumers with systems below 25 kilowatts, following directives from Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.
According to officials, under the 2015 regulations, solar systems with a capacity of up to 25kW did not require a licence from NEPRA, and applications were processed free of cost through distribution companies.
However, under the new prosumer regulations, approval authority has been shifted to NEPRA even for small-scale solar users, along with the imposition of application fees.
The Power Division argued that the revised framework has created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for domestic consumers and may hinder the growth of renewable energy adoption in the country.
Officials said the Private Power and Infrastructure Board has also raised concerns over the changes, supporting the restoration of the previous approval mechanism for systems below 25kW.
During public hearings, stakeholders including the Pakistan Solar Association and the Pakistan Alternative Energy Association opposed the new rules, stating that transferring authority away from distribution companies has complicated procedures for consumers.
The Power Division has urged NEPRA to reinstate the earlier system for small-scale solar installations to facilitate ease of access and promote renewable energy expansion.