LAHORE: For quick disposal of solar net metering connection-related applications, we have allowed the respective power distribution companies (Discos) to approve applications seeking connection up to 25 kilowatts, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Chairman Tausif H. Farooqi said on Saturday.

Speaking to the media at the10th Solar Pakistan Exhibition at the Lahore Expo Centre, Mr Farooqi said that despite opposition, Nepra allowed the launch, completion and promotion of solar power projects across the country. We did it in a bid to provide cheap electricity to the people of Pakistan, he added.

While responding to media queries, the Nepra chairman said the regulator was trying hard to provide cheap and clean energy to the consumers. “Giving subsidy on power tariff is the sole discretion of the federal government and not Nepra,” he added.

The three-day solar power exhibit was inaugurated jointly by the Nerpa chairman, PM Task Force Chairman on Housing Zaigham Rizvi and Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) Chairman Shah Jahan Mirza.

Speaking on the occasion, AEDB CEO said plans were afoot to launch the process of competitive bidding for the new wind and power projects to meet the targets of clean and green energy as given in the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) 2021-2030.

The exhibition has brought a number of solar power generation companies, solar panel and other equipment manufacturers and promoters under one roof to not only create awareness on renewable energy among the public at large but also convince them to go for solar net metering for getting cheap energy resources.

“I have come here to meet with the companies engaged in installing solar power system with net metering provision to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers,” said Furqan, a visitor at the exhibition.

“I think this is the best time to switch to solar power since the massively increasing electricity tariff has almost become unaffordable,” he added.

More than 100 companies involved in the business of solar energy and relevant fields are participating in the event.

The organisers expect attendance of as many as 10,000 visitors including traders and industries experts in the three-day exhibition.

It may be mentioned that Pakistan, according to energy experts, is blessed with renewable energy resources and it is high time to harness the same to overcome the energy woes of the country.

They say that the proliferation and promotion of solar energy can go a long way to overcome the energy crisis.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2022