MEPCO Net Metering: How to Apply in Multan and Southern Punjab
Net metering lets you export surplus solar electricity to the grid and receive credit against your bill. For a comprehensive explanation of the mechanism, see our Pakistan net metering guide. This page covers the specific process for MEPCO, the Multan Electric Power Company.
MEPCO Service Area
MEPCO serves Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, DG Khan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Rajanpur, and Bahawalnagar. Southern Punjab receives some of the highest solar irradiance in the country. Multan and Bahawalpur average 5.4-5.7 peak sun hours daily, among the best in Pakistan.
Eligibility
• Connection type: Residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural (tube well) consumers with an active MEPCO connection.
• System capacity: Minimum 1 kW. Maximum up to sanctioned load. MEPCO processes systems up to 1 MW under the NEPRA Generation Licence Exemption framework.
• Meter: Bidirectional net meter, procured and installed by MEPCO at the applicant’s cost.
• Inverter: Grid-tied inverter with anti-islanding protection. IEC 62109 certification required.
• Installer: Must hold a valid PEC solar installation licence.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Submit Your Application
MEPCO accepts net metering applications at its divisional and sub-divisional offices. The MEPCO head office is located at Khanewal Road, Multan. For applicants in Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, and DG Khan, submit at your respective divisional office. MEPCO has been slower than urban DISCOs in digitising its processes, so in-person submission is the standard route.
2. Required Documents
• Applicant’s CNIC copy
• Latest MEPCO electricity bill
• Single-line diagram (SLD) signed by a PEC-registered engineer
• System specifications: panel model, wattage, quantity, inverter model and capacity
• PEC licence copy of the installing contractor
• Inverter datasheet with anti-islanding compliance documentation
• Panel certification documents (IEC 61215)
• MEPCO prescribed application form
• Indemnity bond
3. Application Fee
MEPCO charges a processing fee for net metering applications. Residential systems up to 10 kW: approximately PKR 15,000-20,000. The bidirectional meter cost is separate, typically PKR 8,000-15,000. Agricultural consumers applying for tube well solar systems should budget for similar fees. All fees are payable at the time of application.
4. Technical Review and Inspection
MEPCO reviews documents and schedules a site inspection. The team checks system capacity, inverter configuration, protection equipment, wiring, and earthing. Inspection scheduling takes 20-40 days after acceptance. Rural areas in DG Khan and Rajanpur may experience longer wait times than Multan city.
5. Agreement and Meter Installation
After passing inspection, MEPCO executes the net metering agreement and installs the bidirectional meter. Timeline: 45-75 days. Budget for up to 90 days during peak application season.
Net Metering vs Net Billing Under NEPRA 2026 Rules
Under NEPRA’s 2026 prosumer regulations, new MEPCO net metering connections operate under net billing. Exported surplus is credited at approximately Rs. 11 per unit. Imported electricity is charged at the standard MEPCO tariff, which is Rs. 48-60 per unit for residential consumers depending on slab.
Southern Punjab’s high irradiance means systems here generate more per kilowatt than most other regions. A well-sized system in Multan produces roughly 10-15% more annual energy than an identical system in Islamabad. SOL AI tracks your output versus consumption so you can adjust load patterns and maximise savings.
How to Check Application Status
Contact your MEPCO sub-division office directly with your application reference number. The MEPCO helpline is 0800-63726. For Multan city applications, the head office at Khanewal Road can handle escalations. For other districts, contact the divisional office in your area. In-person follow-up at the subdivision level is the most effective approach in MEPCO territory.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
• Rural transformer limitations: Many rural areas in MEPCO territory have small distribution transformers (25-50 kVA). If the transformer serving your area is near capacity, MEPCO may delay or reject your application. Check transformer loading with your local lineman before investing in a large system.
• Agricultural connections: Tube well consumers on agricultural tariffs can apply for net metering, but the process involves additional verification of the agricultural connection status. Ensure your connection category is correctly recorded in MEPCO’s system.
• Distance from divisional office: Applicants in Rajanpur, Layyah, and remote DG Khan face longer processing times. Apply well in advance.
• Document quality: MEPCO offices in smaller cities can have stricter scrutiny. Ensure all documents are clearly printed and the SLD matches the installed system precisely.
• Dust and heat considerations: Southern Punjab is dusty. While not a net metering issue directly, MEPCO inspectors may note panel cleanliness. Ensure panels are clean before the inspection visit.
Solar Citizen Handles the Entire Process
Every system we install in MEPCO territory includes the complete net metering application at no extra cost. We prepare documentation, submit the application at the relevant MEPCO office, coordinate the site inspection, and follow up until your bidirectional meter is installed. Our team understands the specific processing patterns at MEPCO divisional offices across Multan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal.
Southern Punjab is ideal solar country. We make sure the paperwork keeps pace with the sunshine.
Get a free solar quote for your home in MEPCO territory or learn more about solar installation in Multan and surrounding cities.