It was reported that the government of Pakistan is planning to impose a fixed tax on solar energy, and besides industrialists, also tax people who install solar panels on their houses for electricity. However, the government on Saturday categorically denied these reports.
According to a statement released by the Power Division, there is no truth in the news of solar power fixed tax. The Central Power Purchasing Agency or Power Division has not sent any such summary to the government in this regard.
The Power Division said the Net Metering Policy of 2017 was aimed at promoting alternative energy in the system. There has been a phase where solarization has increased very rapidly.
The Power Division said that such proposals and amendments are being considered to save the poor from further burden. The statement affirmed to protection of the investment of one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand net metering consumers.
Earlier, a section of local media reported that the Central Power Purchasing Authority (CPPA) has proposed the imposition of tax on those installing solar panel systems for domestic or commercial purposes.
Reports said it has asked the government to receive Rs2,000 per kilowatt tax from users of solar panels, a move that would discourage people from shifting to solar for producing electricity.
The tax would be imposed on systems with a minimum capacity of 12 kilowatts. It means the government would receive Rs24,000 in taxes on a solar panel grid of 12 kW.
The Power Division has sent the CPPA summary to the Prime Minister for approval. The government is also considering a revision in the price of solar panels.
