ISLAMABAD,: TheNetwork for Consumer Protection has called for a consumer-centred approach to Pakistan’s clean energy transition, urging stronger regulation, affordable solar access, greater public participation in regulatory decisions and improved consumer protection mechanisms.
The call was made during a one-day seminar titled “Putting Consumers at the Centre of Pakistan’s Clean Energy Transition”, organized by TheNetwork in Islamabad.
Representatives from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Pakistan Alternative Energy Association (PAEA), consumer groups and lawmakers participated in the discussions.
Consumers need greater support in energy decisions
Addressing the seminar, TheNetwork CEO Nadeem Iqbal said consumer protection should be treated as a continuous process rather than a one-time measure.
He said consumers must have access to information, resources and institutional support to participate meaningfully in decisions concerning electricity tariffs, fuel prices, rooftop solar and energy efficiency.
Iqbal noted that consumers appearing in regulatory hearings often face a significant disadvantage compared with utilities and fuel companies, which can hire lawyers, consultants, financial analysts and technical experts to defend tariff petitions and pricing proposals.
Ordinary consumers, he said, frequently lack simplified documents, technical guidance and the capacity to analyze complex regulatory submissions.
“Consumers may have the right to speak at open hearings, but without information, preparation and institutional support, they may not have the capacity to influence decisions,” he said.
He called on regulators to make public participation more accessible and meaningful.
Energy prices affecting households and inflation
Iqbal said the impact of energy-related decisions extends beyond electricity bills.
According to him, changes in petrol and fossil fuel prices directly affect transportation costs, household budgets and inflation, while ordinary consumers have limited opportunities to understand or challenge the basis of price adjustments.
Citing international regulatory practices, he suggested that Pakistan could introduce consumer-friendly summaries of tariff petitions, plain-language explanations of household impacts, accessible online and physical submission channels, longer consultation periods and formal representation for consumer organizations.
He also proposed transparent reporting mechanisms through which regulators could explain what consumers had said, how their concerns were considered and why specific decisions were ultimately taken.
Lawmaker calls for affordable solar access
Member Punjab Assembly Tahira Mushtaq highlighted the growing pressure of energy costs on household finances and poverty.
She called for electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) to expand access to solar energy for consumers and recover the cost through electricity bills, helping households manage the burden of expensive energy.
Mushtaq also stressed the need for public representatives to ensure that clean energy initiatives benefit ordinary and low-income consumers.
NEECA highlights energy efficiency measures
During a session on energy efficiency, NEECA representatives discussed the authority’s work under the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2016.
The discussion covered energy efficiency measures across buildings, industry, transport, power and agriculture, including energy audits, building energy codes, demand-side management and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Rooshan Rajput, Assistant at NEECA, highlighted the Pakistan Energy Label Regulations 2023–2024, which provide star-rating labels for regulated appliances including air conditioners, electric fans and LED lighting.
She said consumers can use QR codes on product labels or consult NEECA’s official website to verify registered products and make more informed purchasing decisions.
According to Rajput, approximately 70,000 labels had been issued for air conditioners across three registered manufacturers, while 50,000 labels covered electric fans across 107 registered models. A total of 117 LED lighting models had also been approved.
Calls for stronger solar market regulation
A session focusing on NEPRA and consumers examined public hearings, tariff determinations, rooftop solar approvals and consumer complaints.
Ayesha Khan, Head of Sustainability Development at Synercon Group, emphasized the importance of consumer education and transparent regulatory decision-making.
The CCP session examined competition and consumer protection in Pakistan’s rapidly expanding solar market.
Bushra Naz Malik, Member of the CCP, discussed provisions of the Competition Act concerning abuse of dominance, prohibited agreements and deceptive marketing practices.
Referring to the Commission’s study, “Unlocking Green Potential: A Market Competition Study of Solar Energy in Pakistan,” she emphasized the need to address weaknesses in the solar market and ensure the availability of reliable products.
Participants also called for stronger quality controls for solar panels and battery energy storage systems.
Zain Khan, Executive Member of PAEA, stressed the importance of quality assurance early in the supply chain, while Abdul Rehman of ICCI highlighted low consumer awareness and the need for accessible digital information to support informed purchasing decisions.
TheNetwork launches Sabz Bijli platform
TheNetwork also introduced Sabz Bijli, a consumer-focused clean energy information platform designed to help households and agricultural consumers navigate solar installations, net-metering procedures, potential costs and savings, vendor information and financing options.
The platform aims to help consumers reduce the risks associated with substandard equipment, misleading claims and potential market exploitation.
Lawmakers discuss inclusive clean energy policies
A parliamentary oversight session featuring Punjab lawmakers, including Tahira Mushtaq and Rubeena Tehseen, examined the role of legislatures in ensuring that clean energy policies remain affordable, inclusive and responsive to consumer needs.
The discussions covered subsidized solar initiatives, solarization of agricultural tube wells, consumer representation and stronger legislative oversight of energy policies.
The seminar concluded with presentations of consumer experiences, documentary screenings and a showcase of the Sabz Bijli platform.
