Solar privilege

Pakistan’s solar progress is nothing short of impressive. Solar energy made up over 14 per cent of the country’s power supply last year – up from just four per cent in 2021. That being said, I cannot help but ask: who is this green revolution really helping? As a resident of Lahore, I have watched solar panels pop up across the city, but mostly on the rooftops of those who can afford them. While Pakistan’s shift to solar energy is a step toward sustainability, it has unintentionally widened the gap between the privileged and the rest of us.

The current net metering policy allows solar users to sell extra electricity back to the grid at generous rates. But this cost is ultimately paid by ordinary grid users, mostly living in apartments or rented homes, through rising electricity tariffs. It is frustrating to see the system reward a small group while the majority, who never had the means to benefit from it, foot the bill. The proposed solar policy reform, though temporarily paused, is a long-overdue reset and not a punishment. It is high time the reforms are resumed to strike a fair balance between solar and grid users.

Talha Anjum

Lahore