Islamabad’s solar consumers have been left stunned after the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) reportedly instructed them to replace their existing green meters with new Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters—costing Rs. 52,000 each. The notice appeared directly on electricity bills, sparking confusion and frustration among thousands of solar power users in Pakistan.
Why IESCO Solar Consumers Are Being Asked to Replace Green Meters
According to Dawn, IESCO has directed that this green meter replacement is mandatory for those using net metering systems—a mechanism allowing consumers to sell excess solar-generated electricity back to the grid. Without this change, customers could lose the ability to offset their bills through surplus energy sales.
Many homeowners, who have already invested over Rs. 1 million in solar power systems, are frustrated that they now must pay extra for a meter replacement they didn’t expect. Their existing bi-directional “green meters” already measure both energy consumption and production, leading many to question the need for another expensive upgrade.
Public Backlash and Appeals to the Government
A wave of complaints quickly followed the announcement. Solar consumers in Islamabad turned to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Portal, asking the government to stop IESCO from forcing them to buy the new AMR meters out of pocket.
Several affected users argued that their current meters are still under warranty, and replacing them makes no sense. Many also pointed out that the directive was issued without any clear communication or explanation from IESCO officials, creating unnecessary panic among solar users.
IESCO’s Response: Replacement Temporarily Suspended
In response to the backlash, IESCO clarified that while the decision to introduce AMR meters was “principally approved,” its implementation has been temporarily halted.
An IESCO official explained that a new solar power policy is being drafted to address these consumer concerns. “We understand people’s frustration. A detailed guideline will be issued soon, and it will clarify whether the Rs. 52,000 cost will be adjusted or refunded in future electricity bills,” he said.
The suspension offers temporary relief for solar consumers in Islamabad, but uncertainty remains about when and how the AMR meter installation will proceed.
Understanding the Green Meter vs. AMR Meter
For many, the confusion stems from a lack of clarity about how these meters differ. The current green meter records two-way electricity flow — it tracks how much power is drawn from the grid and how much is sent back via solar panels.
The proposed Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system, however, automatically transmits real-time usage data to IESCO, improving billing accuracy and reducing manual errors. While this technology could enhance efficiency, it has raised valid questions about cost-sharing and implementation fairness.
Nationwide Plan for AMR Meters Across Pakistan
IESCO officials clarified that this solar meter replacement policy isn’t limited to Islamabad. It’s part of a nationwide upgrade plan designed to modernize Pakistan’s power distribution system. Other regional electricity providers may soon adopt similar directives, meaning that this could be the start of a countrywide transition to AMR meters.
An IESCO spokesperson assured that consumer interests will be prioritized, and that any future policy would aim to “provide maximum relief while ensuring system efficiency.”
Consumers Demand Transparency and Fair Costs
As the situation unfolds, solar customers across Pakistan are urging NEPRA and the Ministry of Energy to step in and ensure that solar energy adoption remains affordable. Experts warn that policies like these could discourage investment in renewable energy at a time when Pakistan needs to expand solar adoption to reduce reliance on expensive imported fuels.
Solar industry stakeholders suggest that if AMR meters are necessary for better monitoring, then distribution companies (DISCOs) should subsidize the cost rather than passing it entirely to consumers.
What’s Next for Solar Energy Policy in Pakistan
While the AMR meter replacement plan has been paused, it highlights the growing tension between Pakistan’s renewable energy goals and the implementation hurdles faced by consumers.
Analysts believe that Pakistan’s solar energy sector needs consistent regulation and transparent communication from power utilities. A lack of coordination between IESCO, NEPRA, and the Ministry of Energy could slow down solar adoption just as the country’s energy transition begins gaining momentum.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Technology and Consumer Trust
Modernizing Pakistan’s power grid with smart technologies like AMR meters is an important step toward energy efficiency and accountability. However, without clear policy guidelines, cost transparency, and consumer support, such initiatives risk alienating the very users driving the solar revolution forward.
For now, IESCO’s solar consumers await the final verdict — hoping the upcoming AMR meter policy will strike a fair balance between innovation and affordability.
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