IN 2016, accompanied by some fanfare, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) became the first electricity distribution company offering net metering, by which consumers could sell electricity units produced from their solar panels back to the grid.

Although there has been as significant debate and enthusiasm about net metering, as an attempted user I would like to share my disappointing experience.

Shortly after Iesco’s announcement, I reached out to the company and requested that a net meter be installed for I was already using a 5kVa solar setup at my residence.

My house is in DHA Phase I, Islamabad — a locality, where net metering as a serious alternative offered by Iesco, should have been available. However, I was informed that this facility was not supported at the time.

While there is much talk of solar power as a major long-term solution to Pakistan’s energy situation, and various governmental organisations and private enterprises continue to set up solar energy infrastructure, it is important we do not lose track of the far distance we have yet to travel.

We should turn net metering into a reality for everyday consumers, including those who already possess solar panels.

Asad A. Khan

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2018