Net Metering
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners, businesses, and other organizations to generate their electricity using solar panels or other renewable energy sources and feed excess power back into the grid. In return, they receive credits on their electricity bill for the excess electricity they generate.
Under a net metering arrangement, the utility company keeps track of the amount of electricity a customer consumes and the amount of electricity they generate. If a customer generates more electricity than they consume, the excess power is fed back into the grid and the customer receives credits on their bill for the excess electricity they generate. These credits can then be used to offset future electricity bills.
Net metering is an important incentive for renewable energy adoption because it provides a financial incentive for customers to invest in renewable energy systems. By allowing customers to earn credits for excess electricity generation, net metering can help offset the cost of installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems.
Net metering policies vary by country and region and may be subject to change over time. In Pakistan, net metering policies were introduced in 2015 to encourage the installation of solar panels and other renewable energy systems. Under current policy, customers can install solar panels or other renewable energy systems with a capacity of up to 1 MW and can feed excess electricity back into the grid.
How Net Metering Works:
The utility company tracks the amount of electricity the customer consumes and the excess electricity they generate. The customer is billed for the net amount of electricity they consume, which is the amount of electricity they consume minus the amount of excess electricity they generate.
Suppose the customer generates more electricity than they consume. In that case, the excess electricity is fed back into the grid and the customer receives credits on their bill for the excess electricity they generate. These credits can then be used to offset your future Mepco bill.
At the end of each billing period, any unused credits are typically settled in cash at the utility’s avoided cost rate, which is the amount the utility would have paid to generate or purchase the equivalent amount of electricity.
How Much Money You Can Save Through Net Metering:
The size of your renewable energy system will determine how much electricity you can generate and how much money you can save on your iesco bill. The rates you pay for electricity and the rates you receive for excess electricity can vary depending on where you live.
Your electricity consumption patterns will also impact how much you can save through net metering. If you consume more electricity during the day when your solar panels are generating electricity, you may be able to offset more of your electricity bill.
To calculate your net savings, you can use a net metering calculator, which is available from many solar panel installation companies and utility companies. The calculator will ask for information on your system size, electricity rates, and consumption patterns, and will estimate how much money you can save through net metering.
FAQ’s
What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows residential, commercial, and industrial consumers in Pakistan to generate their own electricity using renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. Any excess electricity generated is fed back into the grid, and the consumer receives credit for the surplus electricity, which can be used to offset future electricity bills.
Who is eligible for net metering in Pakistan?
Both residential and commercial consumers in Pakistan are eligible for net metering. To qualify, consumers must have renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines installed on their premises. The installed capacity must be within the limits set by the government and the respective electricity distribution company.
What are the benefits of net metering in Pakistan?
Net metering offers several benefits to consumers in Pakistan. It allows them to reduce their electricity bills by generating their own electricity and earning credits for excess power. Additionally, it encourages the use of renewable energy sources, reducing the dependence on traditional fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner environment.
How are excess units calculated, and what happens to them?
Excess units are the surplus units of electricity generated by the consumer’s renewable energy system that are not consumed on-site. These units are calculated based on the net difference between electricity consumed from the grid and the electricity fed back into the grid. The excess units are credited to the consumer’s account and carried forward to future billing periods, offsetting their future electricity consumption.
Can I receive monetary compensation for excess units?
Net metering operates on a one-to-one credit basis. This means that excess units are not directly compensated with monetary payments. Instead, consumers receive credits that can be used to offset future electricity bills.