Can You Sell Electricity to the Government in Pakistan? Guide

You’re staring at your electricity bill, wondering if there’s a way to flip the script.

Can you actually sell power back to the grid in Pakistan?

Maybe you’ve got solar panels or a wind turbine, and you’re thinking, “Why let this energy go to waste?”

Or you’re worried about the hassle—paperwork, regulations, and whether it’s even worth it.

I get it. You want to make money, save on bills, and maybe help fix Pakistan’s energy mess.

This guide cuts through the noise.

We’ll break down how to sell electricity to the government, what you need, and whether it’s a smart move.

Why Truehost Cloud Powers Websites in Pakistan

First, let’s talk about getting your ideas online.

If you’re researching selling electricity, you’re probably an entrepreneur or a go-getter.

You might want to share your journey, start a blog, or build a business around renewable energy.

That’s where Truehost Cloud comes in—the cheapest, most reliable web hosting provider.

Their servers are fast, their support is human, and they won’t drain your wallet.

Think of it like selling electricity: you need a solid grid to deliver power, and Truehost is the grid for your online presence.

Get your site up, share your story, and maybe even sell solar solutions—all for pennies.

The Big Picture: Selling Electricity in Pakistan

Can You Sell Electricity to the Government in Pakistan? Everything You Need to Know

Pakistan’s energy industry is a rollercoaster.

Power outages, skyrocketing bills, and a grid that’s more patchwork than powerhouse.

But here’s the good news: the government wants your electricity.

Through net metering, you can sell excess power from your solar panels or wind turbines back to the grid.

It’s not just a pipe dream—it’s been legal since 2015, thanks to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

Think of it like this: your rooftop becomes a mini power plant, and the government’s your customer.

I met a guy in Lahore, Ahmed, who installed 5kW of solar panels.

He was fed up with 12-hour load-shedding.

Now, his bill’s near zero, and he’s banking Rs. 10,000 a month selling extra units.

That’s not pocket change—it’s a side hustle powered by the sun.

How Net Metering Works: The Basics

Net metering is the system that lets you sell electricity (PDF).

You generate power (usually solar).

Whatever you don’t use flows back to the grid.

Your meter tracks it, and you get credited for those units.

At the end of the month, you only pay for the net electricity you used.

If you produce more than you consume, you can earn cash or roll over credits.

Here’s the catch: you need a three-phase connection and a bi-directional meter.

The meter tracks power going both ways—like a referee keeping score. Without it, you’re just donating electricity to the grid.

Who Can Sell Electricity?

Not everyone can jump in. Here’s who qualifies:

Residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural users with a three-phase connection.
Renewable energy systems (solar or wind) between 1kW and 1MW.
A legit setup that meets NEPRA’s safety and technical standards.

If you’re a small business or a homeowner with a decent solar system, you’re in.

Farmers with tube wells? You’re eligible too. The government’s pushing renewables hard, so they’re making it easier than ever.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Selling Electricity

Let’s break it down like a playbook. This is exactly how you get started.

1. Get a Renewable Energy System

You need a solar panel setup or wind turbine. Solar’s the go-to in Pakistan—9.5 hours of sunlight daily makes it a no-brainer.

Figure out your system size based on your electricity use.

Quick tip: Grab your annual electricity bill.

Add up the total units (kWh) consumed.

Divide by 1450.

That’s the kW of solar panels you need.

Example: 7,500 units ÷ 1450 = ~5.2kW system.

Ahmed’s 5kW system cost him Rs. 700,000. It produces 35 units daily, or 1,050 units a month. He uses 600 units and sells the rest.

2. Apply for Net Metering

You’ll deal with your local Distribution Company (DISCO)—think LESCO, IESCO, or K-Electric. Here’s what you need:

Application form from your DISCO’s website.
CNIC copy and proof of property ownership.
Recent electricity bill.
Technical details of your solar/wind system (inverter specs, panel capacity).
Single-line diagram of your setup (your installer can provide this).

Submit these to your DISCO.

They’ll inspect your system to ensure it’s safe and compliant.

Pro move: Follow up on your application. Bureaucracy can be slow.

3. Install a Bi-Directional Meter

Once approved, the DISCO installs a green meter.

This tracks electricity flowing to and from the grid.

Cost? Around Rs. 15,000–30,000, depending on your DISCO.

4. Sign the Net Metering Agreement

You’ll sign a deal with your DISCO. This locks in your ability to sell power for three years.
NEPRA oversees the process to keep it fair.

5. Start Selling

Your system’s live, your meter’s ticking, and you’re in business. Excess power flows to the grid, and you get credits at Rs. 19.32 per kWh (as of 2025).

If you use more than you produce, you only pay for the difference.

Regulations You Need to Know

Pakistan’s net metering rules are straightforward but non-negotiable. Here’s the fine print:

NEPRA’s 2015 Regulations: These govern everything. Systems must be 1kW–1MW. You need a three-phase connection.
DISCO Compliance: Your setup must pass their inspection. No shortcuts—faulty wiring or cheap inverters get rejected.
Tariff Rules: You’re paid at off-peak rates (Rs. 19.32/kWh). Rates can vary by DISCO and time of year.
License: NEPRA issues a generation license for three years. Renew it to keep selling.

I heard about a shop owner in Karachi who skipped the inspection. His system was rejected, and he lost months fixing it. Don’t be that guy, follow the rules.

Is It Worth It? The Money Math

Let’s talk numbers.

A 5kW solar system costs Rs. 600,000–800,000. Here’s what you can expect:

Savings: Slash your bill by 90% or more.
Earnings: Sell excess units at Rs. 19.32/kWh. Example: 450 units sold monthly = Rs. 8,694.
Payback: Most systems pay for themselves in 4–6 years.
ROI: After payback, it’s pure profit for 20+ years (solar panels last 25 years).

Add in government incentives like tax credits or rebates, and it’s even sweeter.

The Sindh government’s 2024 solar scheme is giving panels to 26 lakh families.

Punjab’s pushing solar for farmers.

These programs can cut your upfront costs.

Challenges and How to Beat Them

Nothing’s perfect. Here’s what might trip you up and how to handle it:

Slow Approvals: DISCOs can drag their feet.

Fix: Track your application and call weekly.

Upfront Cost: Solar isn’t cheap.

Fix: Look for financing from banks or government schemes.

Technical Issues: Cheap equipment fails fast.

Fix: Buy from reputable suppliers and hire certified installers.

Rate Fluctuations: NEPRA’s buyback rates can change.

Fix: Lock in a good tariff with your agreement.

A friend in Islamabad, Sana, faced delays with her DISCO. She kept calling and even visited their office. Her persistence paid off. She’s now selling 300 units a month.

Why This Matters for Pakistan

Pakistan’s grid is stretched thin.

43,775 MW of capacity, but only 7% from renewables.

Net metering isn’t just about your wallet—it’s about easing the load.

More people like Ahmed and Sana mean less load-shedding.

It’s a win-win: you make money, and the country gets cleaner energy.

Final Thoughts

Selling electricity to the government in Pakistan is a no-brainer.

You save on bills, earn cash, and stick it to load-shedding.

Sure, there’s paperwork and upfront costs.

But with sunlight like Pakistan’s, you’re sitting on a goldmine.

Start small.

Get a 5kW system.

Follow the steps.

In a year, you could be like Ahmed, sipping chai while your panels pay the bills.

And if you want to share your story or sell solar solutions online, grab hosting from Truehost Cloud. It’s dirt-cheap, reliable, and lets you focus on building your empire.

Author

Kevin K.

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