ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production on Monday harshly criticized the National Electric Power and Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for sudden changes to the net metering policy. The committee said this move will "shatter the trust of the investors in the government policies" and discourage use of solar power. Under chairman Syed Hafeezuddin, members and government officials rejected the shift from net metering to net billing. This policy alteration affects all current and future solar consumers, aiming to control rising solar energy use and protect the costly state power network. Mr. Hafeezuddin warned that this could harm the government’s reputation and stressed, "When the regulator can honour the commitments made to the independent power producers, it should also respect the response by industries and individuals who availed the net metering policy introduced by the government." Industry secretary and committee members worried the change will damage investor trust and halt clean technology adoption. The committee noted Nepra’s reason lacked any "rational study" from the power ministry. "Pakistan needs to promote solar and other clean energy for the industries; it will help reduce the cost of doing business on a long-term basis," said Mr. Hafeezuddin. The committee also reviewed several delayed and costly industrial development projects. Many proposals were rejected due to incomplete monitoring reports and escalating costs, with members upset over delays of six to nine years. Officials were scolded for presenting incomplete briefs, lacking financial clarity. Members urged the use of land from non-functioning state-owned enterprises for projects instead of new land purchases, highlighting losses at these SOEs. The committee briefly discussed a legal case involving a former Engineering Development Board employee who obtained a court stay after being transferred. The strong criticism reflects serious concern over energy policy stability and development project management in Pakistan.