Net Metering (Now Net Billing) Application Process
NEPRA replaced net metering with net billing for new applications from February 2026 onward, exported solar electricity now sells back at a considerably lower rate than what you pay to import, this genuinely changes how you should size a new system.
Apply through your DISCO with your AEDB-certified installer's documentation and a single-line system diagram, a bi-directional meter gets installed after approval, but design your system around your own daytime consumption now rather than maximum export, since exported units are worth considerably less than they used to be.
The actual sequence
- Use an AEDB-certified installer. This is generally required for your application to be processed at all.
- Submit your application to your DISCO. Include the single-line diagram, installer certification, and your existing connection details.
- Complete technical review and inspection. Your DISCO verifies the installation matches what was submitted and meets safety requirements.
- Pay for and receive your bi-directional meter. This measures import and export separately, typically at your own cost.
Why net billing changes the sizing calculation
Under the old net metering rules, exported and imported units were valued equally, an oversized system that exported heavily still made financial sense. Under net billing, exported units sell back at a considerably lower rate than the retail import price, meaning a system sized around your own daytime consumption, paired with battery storage, generally makes more financial sense than one designed purely to maximize export.
What's grandfathered and what isn't
Agreements signed before the February 2026 cutoff are generally protected under the old net metering terms until their contract expires, confirm your specific agreement date and status directly with your DISCO if you're unsure whether you qualify.
Why using a properly AEDB-certified installer protects you beyond just application approval
Beyond being generally required for your DISCO application to proceed, working with a genuinely AEDB-certified installer means your system's design and components meet the safety and technical standards the certification process actually verifies, an installer cutting corners on certification may also be cutting corners on the underlying installation quality itself, treat certification as a genuine quality signal, not just a bureaucratic checkbox.
What the technical inspection stage actually examines beyond a basic paperwork check
Your DISCO's technical review typically verifies your system matches the submitted single-line diagram, confirms proper anti-islanding protection is functioning, correctly disconnecting your system from the grid during an outage for genuine safety reasons, and checks that your installation meets applicable electrical safety codes, this is a genuine technical verification, not a formality.
Why the bi-directional meter cost is worth budgeting for separately from your solar installation cost
Many buyers focus their budget planning entirely on panels, inverter, and installation labor, then are caught off guard by the separate bi-directional meter cost required for grid connection, build this into your total project budget from the outset rather than treating it as an unexpected add-on cost after your system is already installed.
Why keeping your own copy of every submitted document protects you throughout the process
Maintain your own complete set of everything submitted to your DISCO, the single-line diagram, installer certification, application forms, this protects you if any question arises about your submission's completeness or timing, particularly relevant given how the transition to net billing has made submission timing genuinely consequential for many applicants.
Straight answers to common questions
If your system was designed under old net metering assumptions and you're not grandfathered, it's worth reassessing whether adding battery storage now offers better returns than continuing to rely on export credit.
Commonly several weeks, driven by inspection scheduling and application completeness, submit a complete application the first time to avoid delays.
Commercial applications may involve additional technical review given typically larger system sizes, confirm specific requirements if you're applying for a commercial connection.
This varies by DISCO workload and application completeness, commonly several weeks, build this timeline into your planning rather than expecting immediate connection after installation.
This is possible but can complicate the submitted application, since it references your specific installer's certification, discuss this directly with your DISCO if this situation arises.
Rejection can occur due to incomplete documentation, a non-certified installer, or a technical issue identified during review, address the specific reason given rather than resubmitting unchanged.
Some administrative processing fees may apply beyond the meter cost, confirm the complete current fee structure with your specific DISCO before applying.