Nepra initially directed KE to submit data in May 2024
KE requested an extension and failed to meet standards.
Company says in close coordination with Nepra on matter.
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued a show-cause notice to K-Electric (KE) for repeatedly failing to comply with directives concerning net-metering applications, The News reported.
The notice, issued on Wednesday, follows KE’s inability to provide comprehensive data on rejected net-metering applications, which KE attributed to system overloads.
Nepra considers this a violation of its regulations and the Nepra Act.
The issue surfaced after multiple reports indicated that KE had declined numerous net-metering requests, citing overloaded common distribution systems and Pole-Mounted Transformers (PMTs) as the cause.
Nepra initially directed KE to submit specific data regarding these rejections in May 2024, but the utility provider requested an extension and failed to meet compliance standards within the stipulated timeline.
Following an explanation letter from Nepra in July, KE provided partial information, stating that net-metering requests exceeding 80% of transformer capacity required upgrades at the applicants’ expense.
However, Npra deemed KE’s submission unsatisfactory, noting that it did not adhere to the requirements for transparency and timely consumer access to net-metering services.
The Authority has now formally determined KE’s response inadequate, issuing the show cause notice under Nepra’s fine regulations.
The notice compels KE to address the non-compliance and submit a comprehensive explanation for its actions regarding the handling of consumer applications for net-metering, a key program supporting renewable energy adoption in Pakistan.
In response KE says since the inception of the net metering policy it has successfully energised over 18,000 connections and continues to do so as part of its ongoing efforts.
The electricity supplier maintains it remains in close coordination with Nepra on the matter.