This letter refers to the report ‘AEDB initiates certification of net-metering solutions providers’ (Jan 19, 2020). This is a classic example of the parochial thinking and lack of coordination among our energy sector entities. ‘Net-metering’ for grid-tied, distributed solar and similar renewable systems is a good scheme, theoretically, but has to be devised carefully for the context in which it's to be applied otherwise it can defeat its purpose and even worsen the utility’s problems.
In the present situation, when the government cannot undo the excess capacities contracted with some of the IPPs, every single additional kWh of electricity consumption in the country should be encouraged in order to ameliorate the punishing effects of capacity costs on consumers. The Ministry of Energy's recent rebates announced for consumers on their excess consumption during winter are a step in the right direction. In such a situation, this campaign by the AEDB is incomprehensible and in fact akin to rubbing salt in this nation's bleeding wounds. Would the AEDB share with the nation the wisdom in aggressively pushing for additional net-metering at this stage?
M Shahid Rahim
Bahawalpur