ISLAMABAD, October 25, 2024: The rapid expansion of rooftop solar systems in Pakistan is reshaping the country’s energy landscape, but it is also exacerbating disparities for lower-income electricity consumers who remain dependent on the traditional grid.
This pressing issue was the focus of a recent session titled “Navigating the Solar Surge: Ensuring Equitable Energy Access in Pakistan’s Power Sector,” hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) .
The session featured prominent speakers, including Khalid Rahman, Chairman of IPS, Ameena Sohail, a senior associate and energy advocate, Abubakar Ismail, head of energy and sustainability at Amreli Steels, and Muhammad Musaddiq, CEO of Siddique Renewable Energy. They were joined by renewable energy expert Asad Mahmood and former federal secretary for Water and Power, Mirza Hamid Hassan.
Wali Farooqui, a research officer at IPS, presented a study highlighting that while falling solar costs have facilitated mass adoption, the primary beneficiaries are wealthier consumers.
He warned that this trend is creating a two-tiered energy system, where lower-income individuals face higher electricity bills and increased financial strain.
Khalid Rahman emphasized the need for timely revisions to net metering policies to address these growing inequities. He advocated for more inclusive policy development to ensure fairness for both solar adopters and traditional grid users.
Ameena Sohail cautioned that unchecked solar growth could strain grid operations, raising concerns about sustainability.
Asad Mahmood highlighted the widening gap between those who can afford solar energy and those who cannot, noting the economic pressures faced by many consumers. Abubakar Ismail stressed the importance of equitable policymaking in transitioning to solar energy, especially given the challenges of solar intermittency. He pointed out that maintaining a reliable energy supply is crucial, even as the focus shifts to renewable sources.
Muhammad Musaddiq raised concerns about the low penetration of solar energy in Pakistan, identifying power theft as a significant barrier to progress. He underscored the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and anticipated a rise in electric vehicle adoption, which could pose challenges for existing power plants.