Net billing · Faisalabad, Lahore, Punjab
Green Meter Price in Pakistan and Net Metering Steps for FESCO and LESCO
Short answer
A "green meter" is the bidirectional meter that records the units you take from the grid and the units your solar system exports. Under NEPRA's 2026 rules, you pay for it. The price depends on your DISCO and connection type, and LESCO now fits AMI smart meters instead of the old green meters. Since 9 February 2026, new applications go through net billing, not net metering, and the steps below follow that process.
For the full policy picture (export rate, who keeps the old terms, sizing), read our net metering and net billing guide. This page is the practical paperwork guide. Policy facts were last checked on 13 October 2026.
Green meter price in Pakistan: what you actually pay
There is no single national green meter price. What you pay is the DISCO's demand notice, which covers the meter and connection work. The 2026 Prosumer Regulations make the prosumer responsible for all interconnection costs, including metering. If the DISCO has no meters in stock, you may buy one yourself, but it must be tested and accepted by the DISCO.
| Cost item | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bidirectional / AMI meter (single unit or two-meter set) | Consumer | WhatsApp for today's rate |
| DISCO connection charges (demand notice) | Consumer | WhatsApp for today's rate |
| NEPRA fee, systems up to 25 kW | None. Withdrawn in April 2026 | Nil |
| NEPRA fee, systems above 25 kW | Consumer | Rs 1,000 per kW, one-time (NEPRA published figure) |
| Three-phase connection upgrade, if needed | Consumer | WhatsApp for today's rate |
Ask your DISCO for a written demand notice. Do not pay cash to anyone who offers to "speed up" the file. The Power Division publicly warned applicants about this in September 2026.
From application to meter
- 1Collect forms (2 days)
- 2Submit file (we do this)
- 3Acknowledgement (5 days)
- 4Technical review (15 days)
- 5Agreement (7 days)
- 6Demand notice and payment
- 7AMI smart meter installed (15 days)
Green meter vs AMI meter
- Green meter. The older analogue or electronic bidirectional meter. Its readings were taken by hand or by photo.
- AMI meter. An Advanced Metering Infrastructure smart meter that sends readings to the DISCO's control room automatically. LESCO stopped buying green meters in September 2025 and moved solar connections to AMI and AMR meters.
The 2026 regulations allow either one bidirectional meter or two separate meters (one for imports, one for exports), as long as both give the same result.
"Reverse metering" is an informal term for the same idea: a meter that can also run in the export direction.
Before you apply: three checks
- Three-phase connection. The regulations make net billing available to three-phase 400 V or 11 kV consumers. FESCO's own checklist lists a three-phase meter as a requirement. Single-phase homes usually need an upgrade first.
- Sanctioned load. Your solar capacity cannot exceed your sanctioned load. The old allowance of up to 1.5 times was removed. If you want a bigger system, apply to raise your sanctioned load first.
- Transformer capacity. DISCOs must refuse new applications once connected solar on your transformer reaches 80% of its rating. In crowded areas, check this early.
Also make sure the inverter is grid-tied and approved for interconnection. LESCO requires the inverter serial number and manufacturer at the application stage and checks them again when the meter is fitted. A mismatch can stop the connection. See our inverter price guide for on-grid and hybrid options.
Documents you will need
Based on FESCO's net metering checklist, the 2026 regulations and LESCO notices:
- Attested copy of the applicant's CNIC
- Latest paid electricity bill, in the same name as the applicant
- Application form (NEPRA standard distributed generation application)
- Interconnection agreement (signed after approval)
- Technical data sheets for the solar panels and inverter
- Single-line diagram and schematic of the system
- Site plan showing the external disconnect switch
- Inverter serial number and manufacturer (LESCO)
- For systems above 25 kW: proof of the NEPRA fee deposit and the NEPRA application
- For 250 kW and above: a load flow study
Older checklists also ask for an affidavit and a licence application. For systems up to 25 kW, NEPRA dropped the licence requirement in April 2026, so check which forms your DISCO still asks for.
Net metering application steps for FESCO and LESCO (2026)
These are the timelines in the NEPRA Prosumer Regulations, 2026. Real timelines vary, but you can quote these to the DISCO if your file stalls.
- Ask for forms. The DISCO must give you the forms and information free within 2 working days.
- Submit the file. Apply online or at your sub-division office. LESCO handles post-9 February applications through its Net Billing Portal.
- Acknowledgement. The DISCO confirms receipt and lists missing items within 5 working days. You get 3 working days to supply them.
- Technical review. Completed within 15 working days. If the connection is not feasible, the DISCO must return the file with reasons.
- Sign the agreement. Within 7 working days of approval. The term is five years, renewable by mutual consent.
- Demand notice. The DISCO issues the connection-charge estimate within 7 working days of signing. You pay within 7 working days.
- Meter installation and commissioning. Within 15 working days of payment.
- Final approval. Up to 25 kW: the DISCO approves (amendment of 6 August 2026). Above 25 kW: NEPRA concurrence within 7 working days of complete documents.
- Start generating. You must start within six months of approval, or approval has to be obtained again.
Billing then runs on 30-day cycles. Imports are charged at your normal tariff, exports are credited at the national average energy purchase price, and any net credit carries forward or is paid quarterly.
Net metering in Faisalabad (FESCO) and Lahore (LESCO)
The rules are national; the paperwork is local.
- FESCO covers Faisalabad and surrounding districts. Its published checklist still requires a three-phase meter and a grid-tied inverter, with a maximum of 1,000 kW. Our Faisalabad solar page covers local service.
- LESCO covers Lahore, Kasur, Okara and Sheikhupura. It had the most net metering capacity of any DISCO in mid-2026, about 2,053 MW across 135,837 connections. Pending pre-9 February applications were moved to a PITC portal, and new ones go through net billing. See our Lahore solar page.
Common reasons files get delayed
- Name on the bill does not match the applicant
- Inverter serial or brand differs from what was declared
- System capacity above sanctioned load
- Transformer already at its limit
- Missing single-line diagram or disconnect switch location
A clean file with a proper design and an itemised quotation avoids most of these. Our installation services page explains how we document a system.
Should you still apply?
If you plan to export a lot, net billing pays less than old net metering. Many owners now design for self-use, some with batteries, and treat export as a bonus. Our hybrid vs on-grid vs off-grid guide and net metering vs gross metering explainer help you decide.
Get today's price or a free site survey
Solar Works Pakistan is a Faisalabad-headquartered solar EPC company with a Lahore branch, serving all of Punjab. We design in-house and install with our own teams.
- 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
Send us a photo of your bill and we will check your connection type and sanctioned load first. Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the green meter price in Pakistan?
It depends on your DISCO and connection type, and it comes as a demand notice from the DISCO. Under the 2026 rules the consumer pays for the meter and connection work. Ask your DISCO for the current amount before you start.
Does LESCO still install green meters?
LESCO stopped buying green meters in September 2025 and now installs AMI smart meters on solar connections. They do the same job but send readings automatically.
Is there a NEPRA fee for net metering in 2026?
Not for systems up to 25 kW. NEPRA withdrew that fee in April 2026, backdated to 9 February. Systems above 25 kW pay a one-time Rs 1,000 per kW.
How long does FESCO or LESCO take to approve net billing?
The regulations set deadlines at each stage. Added up, they come to about 55 to 70 working days, roughly three months, from a complete file to commissioning. In practice it depends on the DISCO, the transformer and how complete your file is.
Can I get net metering on a single-phase connection?
The 2026 regulations refer to three-phase consumers, and FESCO's checklist requires a three-phase meter. Most single-phase homes need to upgrade before applying.
What is reverse metering?
It is an informal name for a meter that records power flowing back to the grid as well as power drawn from it. Today this is done with a bidirectional or AMI meter, or a pair of meters.
Sources
- NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026, SRO 251(I)/2026 (copy hosted by K-Electric)
- NEPRA, amendment notification dated 6 August 2026
- FESCO, Checklist for net metering applications
- The News, "Nepra scraps solar licence fee for systems up to 25kW" (28 Apr 2026)
- Business Recorder, NEPRA draft to simplify approvals for systems up to 25 kW (30 Apr 2026)
- The News, "LESCO leads Discos with 2,053MW net metering capacity" (24 Jun 2026)
- Daily Pakistan, "LESCO tightens solar net metering rules, swaps old meters for smart AMI units" (11 Nov 2025)
- ProPakistani, "Govt clears nearly 12,000 pending solar cases" (6 Sep 2026)
- Dawn, "Nepra pulls the plug on net-metering" (10 Feb 2026)