IESCO Net Metering: How to Apply in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Net metering credits your electricity bill for surplus solar power you export to the grid. For the full national overview, read our Pakistan net metering guide. This page covers the specific process for IESCO, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company.
IESCO Service Area
IESCO serves Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal. The capital territory and Rawalpindi division account for the bulk of net metering applications. IESCO is one of the more efficient DISCOs for processing solar applications.
Eligibility
• Connection type: Residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers with an active IESCO connection.
• System capacity: Minimum 1 kW. Maximum up to your sanctioned load.
• Meter: Bidirectional net meter, procured and installed by IESCO at the applicant’s cost.
• Inverter: Grid-tied with anti-islanding protection. IEC 62109 certification required.
• Installer: Must hold a valid PEC licence for solar installation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Submit Your Application
IESCO accepts applications at its divisional and sub-divisional offices. The head office is at Street 40, G-7/4, Islamabad. In-person submission at your local subdivision office remains the most reliable method.
2. Required Documents
• Applicant’s CNIC copy (front and back)
• Latest IESCO electricity bill
• Single-line diagram (SLD) signed by a PEC-registered engineer
• System design report: panel model, wattage, quantity, total capacity, inverter model and rating
• PEC licence copy of the installing company
• Inverter datasheet with anti-islanding test certification
• Panel datasheets with IEC compliance certificates
• Prescribed IESCO net metering application form
• Indemnity bond/undertaking
• Property ownership proof or NOC from the property owner (for rented premises)
3. Application Fee
IESCO charges a processing and inspection fee. For residential systems up to 10 kW, expect PKR 15,000-20,000. The bidirectional meter cost is additional, typically PKR 8,000-12,000 for single-phase and PKR 12,000-18,000 for three-phase. Fees are paid at the time of application or upon document acceptance.
4. Document Review and Site Inspection
IESCO reviews documents within 10-15 working days. If accepted, they schedule a site inspection. The team verifies system capacity, wiring, earthing, inverter anti-islanding configuration, and protection devices. Expect them to test your inverter’s anti-islanding response on-site.
5. Agreement and Meter Installation
Once the system passes inspection, IESCO executes the net metering agreement and replaces your meter with a bidirectional unit. Total timeline: 30-45 days in normal conditions. During peak season (April-July), this can stretch to 60 days.
Net Metering vs Net Billing Under NEPRA 2026 Rules
Under NEPRA’s updated prosumer regulations, new IESCO net metering connections operate under net billing. Surplus electricity exported to the IESCO grid is credited at approximately Rs. 11 per unit. Electricity imported from the grid is charged at the standard IESCO residential tariff, which ranges from Rs. 50-60 per unit depending on consumption slab.
The takeaway: every unit you self-consume saves you the full tariff rate. Only exported surplus is valued at the lower buyback rate. System sizing should target your daytime load profile. SOL AI tracks your generation and self-consumption ratio so you can optimise load timing and maximise savings under the new rules.
How to Check Application Status
Contact your IESCO sub-division office with your application reference number. You can also call the IESCO helpline at 051-9252933-6 or visit the IESCO website for general inquiries. For Islamabad applications, the G-7/4 office handles escalations. For Rawalpindi, contact the divisional office at Adiala Road. Keep your application receipt and reference number accessible.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
• Property ownership confusion: IESCO sometimes requires proof that the applicant owns the property where the system is installed. Renters need a signed NOC from the landlord. Have this ready before applying.
• Margalla Hills shading: Properties near the Margalla Hills, particularly in F-5, F-6, and sectors bordering the hills, face afternoon shading. IESCO may question generation estimates for heavily shaded sites. Provide a detailed shade analysis with your application.
• Three-phase requirement: Systems above 5-6 kW typically require a three-phase connection. If you are on single-phase, apply for a three-phase upgrade through IESCO first. This adds 2-4 weeks to the total timeline.
• Incorrect SLD formatting: IESCO rejects SLDs that do not follow the prescribed format. Use the NEPRA-approved template and have it signed by a PEC-registered electrical engineer, not just a solar contractor.
• CDA approvals: For properties in CDA-controlled sectors, ensure your solar installation does not violate building bylaws. CDA generally allows rooftop solar but may require notification for larger systems.
Solar Citizen Manages the Full Process
Every solar system Solar Citizen installs in IESCO territory includes the complete net metering application at no additional charge. We prepare all technical documents, submit the application, coordinate the IESCO inspection, and follow through until your bidirectional meter is live. Our Islamabad-based team works directly with IESCO subdivision offices in the capital and Rawalpindi.
No office visits. No paperwork chasing. We handle it end to end.
Get a free solar quote for your Islamabad or Rawalpindi home or visit our Islamabad solar installation page for pricing and area-specific details.