My Experience with FESCO Net Metering Application
I was worried by my rising electricity costs a year ago. My bill seemed to be increasing each month, which was having a negative impact on my budget. At that point, I made the decision to use solar energy to lower my electricity bills by installing a solar metering system. But applying for net metering wasn’t as easy as I first believed. Along the way, I encountered a number of difficulties, and I would like to share my experience in order to help others learn from it.
Getting Quotes from Solar Companies
I started visiting several solar companies in Faisalabad. The quotes I received were quite expensive, and there was a significant variation in prices. Some companies offered good deals on the solar panels and net metering services, but when it came to the installation of the green meter, they told me that I would have to arrange it myself. In other words, they would install the solar panels and inverter, but the green meter installation was my responsibility.
This left me worried, as I had no idea how or where to get the green meter installed. I’m a busy person and didn’t have the time to deal with this process on my own. I was concerned that it would take a long time, and I would have to run around contacting various companies and officials.
Looking for a Better Option
After facing some difficulties with the companies, I reached out to a private solar company in Faisalabad that was registered with the Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB). This company had a good reputation, and their services were highly recommended. I asked them for a quote, and they offered me a solution with 12 solar panels (585W each) and a 10KW inverter. They also recommended using 6mm wire to ensure good system performance.
The Issue of Green Meter Installation
Once the quote for the solar panels and inverter was finalized, the biggest challenge remained: the installation of the green meter. I learned that for solar metering, a three-phase meter was required, while my house had a single-phase meter. This meant that I would need to replace my existing meter with a three-phase one, and for that, I had to apply for a change of load.
At this point, I realized that the process wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped. To get the change of load, I needed to contact an officer at the sub-division. I decided to approach an official for assistance in getting the change of load and green meter installation done. The officer assured me that he would help me and promised to file the application for the load change.
Dealing with the Officer
I met with an officer at the sub-division office and explained my situation. He agreed to file the application for change of load and bidirectional metering, and he informed me that it would take around a month to process. He also mentioned that I would need to pay some fees for this service. I assured him that I would cover any costs as required during the process.
Change of Load and Green Meter Installation
The officer assured me that the load change process would take about a month, but surprisingly, it was completed in just 15 days. After that, when the solar system was ready for installation, the next major step was the green meter. The officer confirmed that it would be installed within a month, and I made the remaining payment.
Fortunately, my green meter was indeed installed at my doorstep within 15 days, and my net metering started immediately. The actual delay was in the Meter Change Order (MCO), which happened because the concerned officer was transferred, and I did not follow up on the process actively. However, this delay did not cause me any loss since I kept monitoring my import and export, and my bill remained zero.
So, it wasn’t that my meter wasn’t installed on time—it was installed as scheduled. Only the MCO process got delayed.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Based on my experience, I would recommend the following to anyone looking to apply for renewable energy metering:. First, it’s crucial to understand the entire process before jumping into any agreements. If you approach a company, they will often offer services at high prices. Instead, I suggest contacting your local sub-division office directly. By doing this, you can get the work done more quickly and at a lower cost.
Go Through a Company or Not?
From my experience, I found that going through companies can often lead to slower and more expensive service. Contacting the subdivision office directly is more efficient and cost-effective. By doing so, you can speed up the process of installing your solar system and green meter, saving both time and money.
Self-Install Green Meter
If you’re considering applying for a green meter on your own, it’s entirely possible, but there are specific steps and requirements you need to follow. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can proceed if you choose to apply for net metering with FESCO yourself:
1. Install Your System: The first step is to get your solar system fully installed. This includes installing the solar panels, inverters, and any other components necessary for the system. You should make sure all installations meet the standards set by FESCO or NEPRA. These standards can be found on their official websites, so it’s easy to understand what’s required.
2. Follow SOPs: You need to follow the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for net metering, which are provided by FESCO or NEPRA. These SOPs are available on their websites, and it’s essential to comply with them to avoid any delays in the approval process.
3. Earthing and DP Box: One of the key steps in the process is ensuring proper earthing. You need to have at least three earth rods in place and ensure your DP (Distribution Point) box is installed. The DP box should be installed correctly as per the guidelines, and all electrical connections should be safe.
4. System Verification: Once your system is installed and you’ve followed all the required steps, FESCO will send a team of employees to your location for a survey. They will inspect the installation and verify that it adheres to the SOPs. If everything is in place and meets the requirements, they will approve your survey.
5. Approval Process: After the survey is approved, your file will be forwarded for the next steps. How long this approval process will take can vary, and it’s hard to say exactly. However, the more diligently you follow up on your application, the faster it will be processed.
Is It Worth Doing It Yourself?
While it’s definitely possible to apply for net metering on your own, it requires a significant amount of time and effort. If you’re able to stay on top of the process and follow up regularly, you can get it done. However, it’s also important to understand that there might be delays, especially if you are handling everything on your own.
If you want to avoid these delays, it might be a better idea to go through a company or get help from someone with experience in handling net metering. But, if you’re committed and don’t mind dedicating the time needed, applying directly for net metering with FESCO is a practical option.
By following these steps, you can certainly manage the process on your own. Just make sure to keep track of everything and follow up regularly to ensure smooth progress.
FAQs
Q. What is the cost of green metering in Pakistan?
The cost of solar metering in Pakistan depends on various factors. If you get it done through a company, it can range from approximately 200,000 to 250,000 PKR. This includes green meter installation, fees, and other associated charges. However, if you handle the process yourself, you can complete it for around 100,000 to 125,000 PKR.
Q. Can we apply for solar metering on a single-phase meter?
No, you cannot apply for green metering on a single-phase meter. To be eligible for solar panels, you must either have a three-phase meter already installed or apply for a “change of load” to upgrade your meter to a three-phase connection.
Q. How much does a green meter cost in Pakistan?
The price of a green meter in Pakistan ranges from PKR 40,000 to PKR 60,000. However, the total cost of Solar Export System setup, including installation and approvals, can go up to PKR 150,000–168,000.
Q. Where can I buy a green meter in Pakistan?
You can purchase a green meter from certified service providers, solar companies, or directly from your local power distribution company (DISCO).
Q. How long does the approval process take?
The approval process can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the electricity provider and the efficiency of document processing.
