Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially approved a major reform to phase out human meter readers from all electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Pakistan—excluding Karachi Electric (KE). This move is aimed at enhancing transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in the country’s power billing system.
At the heart of this initiative is the introduction of a self-meter reading model, allowing consumers to submit their electricity readings using a mobile application called “Apna Meter Apni Reading.” The new digital approach is expected to reduce billing errors, eliminate discrepancies, and offer potential cost savings for consumers.
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The decision was made during a high-level meeting on June 17, 2025, where the Prime Minister instructed the Power Division to expedite the development of a comprehensive Power Smart Mobile App. This app will support multiple languages, including Urdu and regional dialects, to ensure it’s accessible to people across all provinces.
To facilitate this transformation, the federal government has allocated Rs. 316 million for the app’s development. A soft launch will be conducted to fix any bugs and improve user experience before a nationwide rollout.
Development and implementation responsibilities have been assigned to the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PITC) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO), as outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToRs) issued by the Power Division. These organizations will also contribute to the testing and deployment of associated platforms like the Customer Care Management System (CCMS+), Lineman Mobile Solution, and the Power Smart App.
The Power Division has one month to finalize a complete strategy for phasing out meter readers. All new digital tools will undergo thorough testing to ensure they are reliable, accurate, and user-friendly.
In a consumer-focused directive, the Prime Minister has also ordered that any administrative savings resulting from the removal of meter readers be passed on to the public, potentially lowering power bills or service costs.
This modernization effort is part of a broader government agenda to digitize public services. By shifting power back to consumers and minimizing reliance on manual processes, the Power Division hopes to build a more accountable, accurate, and convenient electricity system for Pakistan. Experts have hailed the move as a progressive step toward smarter energy management and improved consumer satisfaction.
