How to Apply for Net Billing in Pakistan: The DISCO Process, Step by Step

Your panels can be on the roof and generating power. But until your DISCO approves net billing and fits a bi-directional meter, nothing you export earns you anything.

So this guide covers the application from start to finish. It explains what you need, what it costs, and where applications usually stall.

If you are still deciding whether net billing is worth it, start with our net billing basics guide. For who processes your file locally, see net billing rules by province.

Checked as of August 2026. Pakistan’s rules on this changed twice during 2026, so confirm current requirements with your own DISCO before you apply.

The 25kW rule that shapes everything

One number decides how complicated your application will be. That number is 25 kilowatts.

Systems up to 25kW are now approved by your DISCO directly. There is no separate NEPRA licence to obtain, and no licence fee to pay.

Systems above 25kW still need NEPRA approval. They also carry a one-time fee of Rs 1,000 per kilowatt, payable to NEPRA.

This distinction matters because much of the advice online is now out of date. NEPRA briefly required a licence for every system size earlier in 2026, then reversed that after public objection.

So if a guide or an installer tells you every system needs a NEPRA licence, check when that advice was written. For most homes, it no longer applies.

Five things that must be true before you apply

First, the work must be done by an installer registered with AEDB. In most DISCO areas you cannot submit the application yourself, so your installer files it for you.

Second, the electricity bill must be in your name, with no outstanding arrears. A pending balance will stall the file straight away.

Third, you need proof that you own the property. If you rent, you will need a notarised no-objection certificate from your landlord instead.

Fourth, your system must sit within your sanctioned load. NEPRA tightened this in 2026, so you can no longer install well beyond the load your connection is rated for.

Fifth, most DISCOs require a three-phase connection. Single-phase consumers usually need to upgrade first, which adds both cost and time.

The application, step by step

1. Pick an AEDB-registered installer. They design the system and handle the paperwork. Our installer guide covers what to check.
2. Technical survey and Single Line Diagram. Your installer surveys the site, then produces the SLD your DISCO needs.
3. Submit the application to your DISCO. This goes to the net metering cell, increasingly through an online portal rather than a counter.
4. DISCO reviews technical feasibility. They check your connection can take the system safely. If not, the file comes back for changes.
5. Approval is issued. For systems up to 25kW your DISCO approves directly. Above 25kW, the file goes on to NEPRA.
6. Install to the approved specification. Any variation from what was approved can fail the later inspection.
7. DISCO site inspection. Staff check the installation matches the approved design and meets safety rules.
8. Pay for and receive the bi-directional meter. Your standard meter is swapped for one that records import and export separately.
9. Sign the agreement and commission. Once signed and the meter is live, your next bill shows import and export units separately.

What the process costs

The bi-directional meter is the main cost, usually Rs 18,000 to 28,000 depending on your DISCO. This sits on top of your system price, so check whether your quote includes it.

For systems up to 25kW there is no NEPRA fee. Above that, budget Rs 1,000 per kilowatt as a one-time payment.

Some installers bundle the paperwork into their price, while others charge separately. So ask which applies before you sign anything.

How long it takes, and what causes delays

NEPRA sets a 30-day processing standard. But few applications finish that fast in practice.

Six weeks to three months is more realistic across most DISCOs. So treat any promise of a guaranteed four weeks with caution.

Incomplete paperwork is the single most common cause of delay. Unpaid arrears, missing ownership proof, and mismatched equipment datasheets account for most rejected files.

The other frequent cause is installing something different from what was approved. So keep the fitted equipment identical to the approved specification.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a NEPRA licence for net billing in Pakistan?

Not for systems up to 25kW. Those are approved by your DISCO directly, with no licence and no licence fee. Systems above 25kW still need NEPRA approval plus a one-time fee of Rs 1,000 per kilowatt.

Can I apply for net billing myself, without an installer?

In most DISCO areas, no. The application must be submitted by an installer registered with AEDB, who also prepares the technical documents your DISCO requires.

What documents do I need to apply for net billing?

You need your CNIC, a recent electricity bill clear of arrears, and proof of property ownership. Your installer supplies the technical documents, including equipment datasheets and the Single Line Diagram.

How long does net billing approval take?

NEPRA sets a 30-day processing standard, but most DISCOs take longer. Six weeks to three months is realistic, and incomplete documents can push it further still.

How much does the bi-directional meter cost?

Expect Rs 18,000 to 28,000, depending on your DISCO and its current vendor pricing. Confirm whether your installer’s quote includes this, since many price it separately.

Is there a minimum system size, and do I need a three-phase connection?

NEPRA’s rules allow systems from 1kW upward. In practice, most DISCOs require a three-phase connection, so single-phase consumers usually need to upgrade first. Check both points with your own DISCO before committing.

Does my solar inverter need to be approved?

Yes. Your inverter must be an on-grid or hybrid model with anti-islanding protection, meeting recognised safety standards. Off-grid inverters do not qualify for a grid connection.

What happens if I add more panels to an existing system?

Adding capacity counts as a material modification to your agreement. If you are still on an older net metering contract, that change can move you onto current net billing rates. So check the consequences before expanding.

Can I install a system bigger than my sanctioned load?

Not under the 2026 rules. NEPRA now caps net billing systems at your sanctioned load, so check your connection rating before sizing your system.