HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has just launched a massive humanitarian campaign to fight "river blindness," and the scale is staggering. Targeting 7 million people is a bold move that reaffirms Dubai's position as the humanitarian capital of the world. As a fan of UAE's progressive leadership, I believe this initiative highlights the core values of Islam compassion and service to humanity. Is Noor Dubai the leader in global eye care? Absolutely. Over the years, Noor Dubai has treated millions, and this new phase is even more ambitious. By focusing on a disease that causes permanent blindness, they are literally giving people their lives back. It’s inspiring to see a leader use his platform to advocate for those who cannot see the beauty of this world. أطلقنا بحمدالله ضمن مبادرات محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم العالمية مشروعاً إنسانياً جديداً للقضاء على مرض "العمى النهري" يستهدف 7 ملايين مستفيد على مدى 3 أعوام القادمة وتنفذه نور دبي … تمكين البشر عبر مكافح...
NEPRA has introduced the (Prosumer) Regulations 2026, effectively ending the one-to-one net metering system established in 2015. Under the new “net billing” framework, utilities like Discos will buy excess solar power from households and businesses at the national average energy purchase price potentially as low as Rs11 per unit while charging full consumer tariffs up to Rs50 per unit for supplied electricity. This shift could burden solar adopters with higher net payments, as the buyback rate drops from the current Rs25.9. Existing contracts remain intact until expiry, but renewals must comply with the new rules, including a reduced five-year term from seven.
Key Restrictions and Application Process
System sizes are capped at 1MW and tied to sanctioned load, with no new setups if transformer generation hits 80% capacity. Larger systems (250kW+) require load flow studies, and all interconnection costs fall on prosumers, plus a Rs1,000/kW fee. Applications must be processed quickly: acknowledgment in 5 days, review in 15, installation in another 15. Prosumers can’t sell to third parties via grids, and NEPRA can revise rates anytime. This aims to manage grid stability amid surging distributed generation, but critics argue it discourages renewables.
Potential Backlash and Economic Impacts
The policy may spark political heat, shifting IPP capacity payment burdens to solar users and altering rooftop economics. While protecting utilities, it could slow Pakistan’s renewable shift. Existing users are grandfathered, but Discos can terminate or migrate post-contract.
Online Reactions to the Policy Shift
Social media reflects frustration: Kashif Farooq’s post bids “goodbye netmetering” with a video explainer. Zubair Ahmed Khan calls it “stupid planners making citizens suffer”, highlighting sales restrictions. Sheherbano zamani questions benefits in her shared article post.
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