QESCO Net Metering

• SOPs
• Single Line Diagram of Solar Rooftop Net Metering System
• Flow Chart of Interconnection Process
• Checklist for Filling Net Metering Applications
• NEPRA Net Metering Regulations & Application Form
• AEDB Net Metering Reference Guide for Electricity Consumers
• List of QESCO Feeders
• Feeder-Wise Detail for Installation of Net Metering

If you want to reduce your electricity bills without reducing the electricity units consumption, QESCO Net Metering is for you. QESCO allows its users to generate their own electricity, use it, and supply the extra units to the grid.

It is important to understand the QESCO Net Metering system because it can save you money. So let’s understand this concept and the application process in detail:

What is QESCO Net Metering

QESCO Net Metering is a system that allows the electricity consumers of QESCO to generate their own electricity. The QESCO users generate their own electricity usually by using solar panels.

In this system of net metering, a bi-directional meter is installed at the consumer’s premises. This meter records:

• Electricity imported from the grid
• Electricity exported back to the grid when solar generation exceeds consumption
• QESCO adjusts exported units against imported units in your monthly bill.

QESCO Net Metering is a legal and regulated framework for using renewable energy in Balochistan. It operates under the NEPRA Net Metering regulations. It is available for all the eligible consumers whether they fall under the residential, commercial, or industrial category.

QESCO and NEPRA Role in Net Metering

NEPRA prepares net metering regulations under the National Net Metering Pakistan Law. These regulations of NEPRA define who can apply, how much electricity can be generated, and the technical standards for safety and grid connection.

On the other hand, QESCO works as a DISCO (Distribution Company). It implements NEPRA rules at the ground level by processing applications, conducting inspections, and managing billing for net metering consumers.

Eligibility Criteria for QESCO Net Metering

NEPRA has defined standards that a consumer should meet to get the Net Metering connection. It is important for the electricity consumers of Balochistan to know these standards or criteria because this will help them to avoid rejection and delays.

Following is the eligibility criteria that a QESCO consumer must meet in order to get the net metering connection:

• Who can apply? Anyone who has an electricity connection, and has capital to install solar system can apply for net metering connection.
• Residential Eligibility: Homeowners with residential electricity connection are eligible, but their solar system must match their sanctioned load.
• Industrial Eligibility: All of the idustrial users are eligible for net metering connection, but their load requirement will be higher.
• Minimum and Maximum System Capacity: The solar system capacity must be according to the NEPRA’s rules and regulations. And this load capacity must not exceed the approved load. Moreover, the system capacity is measured in kW.
• Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Connection: Both single-phase and three-phase consumers can apply for QESCO Net Metering, but three-phase connections are generally preffered for higher-capacity systems.

Allowed Generation Capacity and Technical Limits for Net Metering Connection

Allowed generation capacity and technical limits are a key part of the QESCO net metering system. These limits ensure that a consumer’s solar system operates safely and does not negatively affect the power grid.

The understanding of QESCO net metering capacity limit and technical rules helps applicants design their system correctly and avoid rejection during inspection or approval.

Following are the generation capacity and technical limits for QESCO Net Metering:

• Maximum Allowed kW Capacity: Depending upon the consumer’s sanctioned load and grid feasibility, the maximum solar generation capacity allowed for net metering can go up to 1MW (1000 kW).
• Load vs Generation Comparison: The installed solar system capacity must not exceed the approved electricity load of the consumer. This limit on solar system capacity is imposed to maintain the grid stability.
• NEPRA Capacity Rules: All net metering systems must follow NEPRA guidelines, which define technical standards, safety requirements, and allowable generation limits.
• Export and Import Limitations: A bi-directional meter records both import units (electricity taken from the grid) and export units (excess solar energy sent to the grid), and billing is based on unit-to-unit adjustment.
• Measurement in kW and kWh: System size is measured in kW, while electricity consumption and exported energy are measured in kWh. These measurements ensure accurate billing and compliance.

It is important to follow these capacity and technical limits is essential for smooth approval and long-term operation of QESCO net metering.

Required Documents for QESCO Net Metering

To get approval of your Net Metering application, it is important for you to attach the required documents with your application. You need the following documents to get approval:

• A duly filled and signed Net Metering application form, as prescribed by QESCO.
• The most recent QESCO electricity bill Copy is required to verify the consumer’s connection and load details.
• A valid CNIC copy of the consumer applying for net metering.
• Ownership documents or a valid tenancy agreement are required to confirm legal occupancy of the premises.
• Technical details of solar panels, inverter, and system capacity in kW must be provided.
• A clear single-line diagram (SLD) showing the electrical layout of the solar system and grid connection.
• Inverter Compliance Certificate is required to prove that the inverter meets NEPRA and QESCO technical standards.
• QESCO may request extra technical or legal documents during the review process.

If you want to get faster approval, submit all of these documents. This will help you to avoid delays or rejection.

Step-by-Step QESCO Net Metering Application Process

The QESCO Net Metering application process is very easy, just follow the given steps to get fast approval:

• Submit QESCO Net Metering Application, and attach all the required documents with this application.
• QESCO verifies your documents.
• QESCO check the technical feasibility of the connection.
• Once everything is verified, QESCO sends its team to verify the installed solar PV system, inverter standards, wiring, and safety compliance.
• Once approved, the consumer signs an Interconnection Agreement with QESCO, which defines legal and technical responsibilities for net metering.
• After the agreement, QESCO installs and seals a bi-directional net meter that records import and export units of electricity.
• After meter installation and system testing, QESCO activates net metering, and billing is adjusted according to imported and exported energy units.

Benefits of QESCO Net Metering

Following are the benefits of QESCO Net Metering:

• Lower electricity bills
• Earn credits for extra units
• Maximum use of solar energy
• Protection from high tarrifs
• Increased property value
• Environment friendly energy production
• Long-term investment returns

FAQs

Conclusion

QESCO net metering is an efficient solution for reducing your monthly electricity bills without cutting down on your electricity usage. To get instant approval for your net metering application, it is important for you to understand and follow the NEPRA regulations.

While applying for the net metering connection, make sure you have submitted all the required documents, and your solar system is in complaince with the NEPRA policies and safety standards. Once you get the approval, bi-directional meter will be installed at your premises, and you’ll benefit from that.