Installing a three-phase solar setup with net-metering allows Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) consumers to generate their own power, send excess electricity back to the grid, and offset their monthly electricity bills.
Under the NEPRA Alternative & Renewable Energy Distributed Generation Regulations, any residential, commercial, or industrial consumer with a three-phase connection can install a solar system and apply for a bi-directional (green) meter.
Eligibility Criteria & Prerequisites
Before applying, ensure your site and connection meet GEPCO’s technical standards:
- Connection Type: You must have an active 3-Phase Connection with a sanctioned load matching or exceeding your proposed solar system capacity.
- System Capacity: The inverter capacity cannot exceed 1.5 times (150%) of your approved sanctioned load.
- Approved Equipment: Inverters and solar panels must be selected from NEPRA / AEDB (Alternative Energy Development Board) accredited vendors and certified under international standards (IEC 62116, IEC 61727).
- Clear Dues: Your existing GEPCO account must have zero outstanding arrears or default history.
Required Documents Checklist
- National Identity Card (CNIC): Attested copy of the account holder’s CNIC.
- Property Proof: Ownership documents (Registry, Sale Deed, or Allotment Letter).
- Latest Paid Bill: Copy of the most recent paid GEPCO electricity bill.
- Technical System Specs: Inverter data sheets, solar panel specifications, and factory testing certificates provided by your solar vendor.
- Single Line Diagram (SLD): Electrical schematic diagram of the proposed solar plant certified by an AEDB-registered engineer.
- Integrity & Test Certificates: Equipment warranty letters, earth test report, and grid-interconnection safety certificates.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
1.Hire an AEDB-Certified Solar Installer:Vendor Selection.
Select an authorized solar EPC vendor listed with the AEDB/NEPRA. The vendor prepares the technical dossier, single-line diagrams, and system sizing specifications.
2.Submit Application to GEPCO SDO / Executive Engineer Office:Physical Submission.
Fill out Form-I (Application for Distributed Generation License) and submit it along with the document dossier to the relevant GEPCO Sub-Divisional Office (SDO) or XEN Office.
3.GEPCO Technical Site Survey:Feasibility Verification.
GEPCO’s technical team visits the installation site to inspect the transformer capacity, wiring safety, earthing pit resistance, and feeder capacity.
4.Issuance of Demand Notice:Authorization.
Upon successful site survey approval, GEPCO issues a Demand Notice covering green meter costs, testing fees, and service connection charges.
5.Demand Notice Payment & Agreement Signing:Payment & Contracting.
Pay the Demand Notice at a designated commercial bank. Sign the Distributed Generation Agreement (standard 3-party contract between consumer, GEPCO, and NEPRA) on stamp paper.
6.NEPRA Generation License Issuance:Official Approval.
GEPCO forwards your agreement and dossier to NEPRA headquarters in Islamabad. NEPRA issues your formal Distributed Generation License.
7.Green Meter Installation & System Commissioning:Final Hookup.
GEPCO removes your old meter, installs the bi-directional Green Meter, and activates net-metering synchronization.
Fee Breakdown & Demand Notice Estimates
GEPCO net-metering charges depend on approved system size and required grid upgrades:
| Component | Cost Estimate (3-Phase Domestic) | Notes |
| Application & NEPRA License Fee | ~Rs 1,000 – Rs 5,000 | Paid according to system capacity (kW) |
| Bi-Directional Green Meter | ~Rs 45,000 – Rs 80,000 | Includes meter testing and calibration fee |
| External Disconnect Box (AC/DC Cutoff) | ~Rs 15,000 – Rs 30,000 | Mandatory safety switch for grid protection |
| Grid / Transformer Surcharges | Variable | Applies if local transformer requires upgrading |
How Net-Metering Billing Works
The installed green meter logs energy flow across two distinct parameters:
- Import Units: Electricity pulled from the GEPCO grid when solar generation is insufficient (e.g., night time or cloudy weather).
- Export Units: Excess solar power generated during peak sunlight and fed into the local GEPCO grid.
Monthly Net Settlement Formula:
$$\text{Net Billed Units} = \text{Import Units} – \text{Export Units}$$
- If Import > Export: You pay GEPCO only for the net difference at your applicable tariff rate.
- If Export > Import: The net credit units roll over to your next month’s bill. At the end of every quarter, GEPCO credits excess exported units back to your account as cash adjustments based on the off-peak generation tariff rate.