Grid · Faisalabad, Lahore, Punjab
Smart Meters and Net Billing: What AMI Meters Changed for Solar Users
Short answer
A smart meter (AMI meter) records the units you take from the grid and the units your solar exports, and sends both readings to your DISCO automatically. Since late 2025, LESCO has fitted AMI meters on new solar connections instead of the old green meters, and since 9 February 2026 those readings are billed under NEPRA's net billing rules. For you, that means accurate two-way readings, no meter-reader photos, and no room for exports that were never approved.
This guide explains what the meter does, how it fits the 2026 net billing rules, where the LESCO and FESCO rollouts stand, and what to check before you apply. Policy facts were last checked on 13 October 2026.
What is an AMI smart meter?
AMI stands for Advanced Metering Infrastructure. An AMI meter is an electronic energy meter with a communication link back to the DISCO's control room. Instead of a meter reader writing down a number, the meter reports its readings on its own.
Compared with older meters:
| Meter | What it records | How it is read | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary static (electronic) meter | Units imported | By hand or by photo | Most homes and shops |
| Green meter (bidirectional) | Imports and exports | By hand or by photo | Net metering connections before late 2025 |
| AMR meter | Imports, and exports if bidirectional | Remote reading, one way | Some commercial and solar connections |
| AMI smart meter | Imports and exports, plus load and event data | Two-way communication with the DISCO | New solar connections in LESCO; expanding across DISCOs |
Most people still call any solar meter a "green meter" or "net meter". The name matters less than what it does: it must register electricity in both directions.
What an AMI meter records
Import
Units you buy from the grid
Export
Units you send to the grid, credited at about Rs 10–11
Why smart meters matter under net billing
Under old net metering, an exported unit cancelled an imported unit. Under net billing, imports and exports are priced differently, so the meter has to keep them apart.
The NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026 allow either one meter that registers flow in both directions or two separate meters, one for imports and one for exports, provided both give the same result. The regulations also say readings should be taken by hand-held unit and by automated means as NEPRA directs. Bills run on 30-day cycles.
What that looks like on your bill:
- Import register. Every unit you take from the grid is billed at your normal tariff.
- Export register. Every unit you send to the grid is credited at the national average energy purchase price, reported at about Rs 10-11 per unit when the rules were notified.
- Net credit. If credits exceed charges, the balance carries to the next bill or is paid quarterly.
Because each exported unit is now worth much less than each imported one, the meter's numbers change how a system should be designed. Our net metering and net billing guide has the full policy and a worked example.
The LESCO and FESCO smart meter rollout
LESCO (Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib)
- 2025: LESCO stopped buying bidirectional green meters in September 2025 and moved solar connections to AMI and AMR meters. It also began logging each applicant's inverter serial number and manufacturer, and checking them when the meter is fitted. A mismatch stops the connection.
- 2025: LESCO allowed one AMI meter per connection in place of a main and backup meter for larger consumers, and ended the issue of permissions to buy smart meters on the open market. Consumers now receive a demand notice for a company-supplied meter.
- July 2026: press reports said LESCO was prioritising Punjab government offices for single-phase AMI meters, while general consumers were still getting conventional static meters for replacements.
- September 2026: LESCO started procurement of about 297,000 single-phase AMI meters, reported to go mainly to new connections.
By a Ministry of Energy reply to the Senate in August 2026, LESCO had about 1.15 million smart meters installed, the largest number of any DISCO.
FESCO (Faisalabad and surrounding districts)
FESCO began its AMI programme with industrial consumers and tubewells of 40 kW and above, and planned large purchases of single-phase and three-phase AMI meters. By August 2026 it had about 112,000 smart meters installed, according to the same Senate reply. For FESCO paperwork, see our green meter and FESCO/LESCO application guide.
Nationally
The federal government has said it wants AMI meters to replace conventional meters across DISCOs, with single-phase meters prioritised. In April 2026 the power minister said AMI meters have net metering capability built in, so they do not need replacing when a consumer adds solar, and that consumers can check usage through a mobile app. Timelines have moved more than once, so treat any date as a target, not a promise.
What changes for you as a solar user
1. Exports are measured, not assumed
An AMI meter records every unit that leaves your premises. If you have an approved net billing agreement, those units earn the export credit. If you do not, export is a problem. AMI meters can flag reverse flow and tampering events to the DISCO.
If you have solar but no net billing agreement, set the inverter to limit or stop export. Our guide to the zero export device explains how.
2. The inverter must match the file
LESCO checks the inverter serial number and manufacturer against the application when it fits the meter. Changing the inverter after applying, or installing a different brand from the one declared, can delay the connection. Choose the inverter before you apply. Our solar inverter price guide covers on-grid and hybrid options.
3. You pay for the meter
Under the 2026 regulations, the prosumer pays for interconnection, including metering. If the DISCO has no meters in stock, you may buy one, but it must be tested and accepted by the DISCO first.
| Cost item | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMI smart meter (single-phase or three-phase) | Consumer, through the demand notice | WhatsApp for today's rate |
| DISCO connection charges | Consumer | WhatsApp for today's rate |
| Three-phase upgrade, if needed for net billing | Consumer | WhatsApp for today's rate |
Ask for a written demand notice. Do not pay anyone who offers to speed up your meter.
4. Self-use is worth more than export
With imports and exports priced separately, each solar unit you use yourself saves your full tariff. Designing for daytime loads, and adding a lithium battery where evening use is high, usually matters more than adding extra panels for export. Try our solar calculator for a starting size.
5. Existing net metering users
If your agreement was signed before 9 February 2026, or you applied by 8 February 2026, you keep the old terms until it expires, even if your meter is replaced with an AMI unit. Changing your system capacity is different. It can move you to net billing, so check with your DISCO before adding panels.
Smart meter, green meter, net meter: does the name matter?
No. What matters is:
- the meter registers flow in both directions, or you have a pair of meters;
- it is supplied or tested by your DISCO;
- it is linked to a signed net billing agreement.
For the difference between net metering, net billing and gross metering, read our net metering vs gross metering explainer.
How Solar Works can help
Solar Works Pakistan designs every system in-house and installs it with its own teams, from about 6 kW to megawatt scale, across Punjab. We size systems for self-use under net billing, set export limits where there is no agreement, and list the exact inverter brand, model and serial details in the quotation, which is what the DISCO checks when it fits your meter.
Get today's price or a free site survey
Send us a photo of your bill and your meter. We will check your connection type, sanctioned load and meter, then explain what net billing means for your system.
- WhatsApp or call: 0336 666 4321
- Email: info@solarworks.pk
- Head office: Main Boulevard, Sargodha Rd, Block F FDA City, Faisalabad
- Lahore branch: 2nd Floor, Jeff Heights, Gulberg, Lahore
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily
- Service area: all of Punjab. See our Faisalabad and Lahore pages, or contact us.
Site surveys are normally free. Founded in 2021, Solar Works Pakistan has served 300+ customers, including 50+ industrial clients.
Frequently asked questions
What is a smart meter for solar?
It is an AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meter that records both the units you import and the units you export, and sends them to your DISCO automatically. It replaces the older green meter on new solar connections in LESCO.
Is an AMI meter the same as a green meter?
They do the same core job: measuring electricity in both directions. The difference is that an AMI meter communicates with the DISCO, so no one has to read it by hand or photograph it.
Do I have to pay for the smart meter?
Yes. Under the 2026 Prosumer Regulations, the prosumer pays for the meter and connection work through the DISCO's demand notice. The amount depends on your DISCO and connection type.
Will a smart meter catch solar export without net billing?
An AMI meter measures power in both directions and can report reverse flow to the DISCO. If you have no net billing agreement, set your inverter to limit or stop export.
Does FESCO install AMI meters for solar?
FESCO is rolling out AMI meters, starting with large industrial and tubewell connections, and had about 112,000 smart meters in place by August 2026. Ask your FESCO sub-division which meter it currently fits on new solar connections.
My meter was changed to an AMI meter. Do I lose net metering?
A meter change on its own should not change your agreement. Existing agreements keep their terms until expiry. Changing your system capacity is what can move you to net billing.
Can I check my smart meter readings on my phone?
The power ministry has said AMI consumers can check usage through a mobile app, but availability depends on the DISCO. Your inverter's own monitoring app also shows generation and, with a smart meter or CT fitted, import and export. See our solar monitoring app guide.
Sources
- NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026, SRO 251(I)/2026 (copy hosted by K-Electric)
- Daily Pakistan, "LESCO tightens solar net metering rules, swaps old meters for smart AMI units" (11 Nov 2025)
- Pakistan Observer, "LESCO announces one electricity meter policy" (19 Jun 2025)
- Daily Pakistan, "LESCO prioritizes govt offices for AMI smart meters" (20 Jul 2026)
- Daily Pakistan, "Update on installation of LESCO smart AMI meters" (16 Sep 2026)
- APP, "AMI to enable accurate electricity billing: FESCO Chief" (1 Jul 2025): https://www.app.com.pk/?p=1020570
- ARY News, "Over 2.1 million smart electricity meters installed across Pakistan, Senate told" (25 Aug 2026)
- APP, "25pc IESCO consumers shifted to smart metering" (14 Apr 2026)
- Business Recorder, "Panel informed all conventional meters to be replaced with AMI meters by next year" (27 Nov 2025)
- Aaj News, "PM orders tougher crackdown on power theft, nationwide rollout of smart meters" (30 Jul 2026)