Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a major reform in Pakistan’s power sector, introducing a self-metering system that allows consumers to submit their electricity readings via a mobile app. The initiative, named “Apna Meter, Apni Reading,” aims to eliminate manual meter readers from DISCOs (except K-Electric) and address widespread complaints of overbilling. Currently, meter readers photograph meters and send data to DISCOs for billing—a process now set to be automated for greater transparency.
The decision was finalized in a high-level meeting chaired by the PM, who directed the Power Division to launch the app swiftly in Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi for accessibility. A soft launch will precede the nationwide rollout to resolve technical glitches, while DISCOs rigorously test related apps like Power Smart App and CCMS+ for reliability. The PM set a 1-month deadline to phase out meter readers entirely.
To ensure public adoption, the government has allocated Rs316 million for a nationwide media campaign (jointly managed by the Power Division and Ministry of Information) to educate users on self-metering benefits. The move follows persistent grievances about inflated bills and meter-reading errors, which have eroded trust in DISCOs.
While the system excludes K-Electric due to its privatized operations, it marks a significant step toward digitizing Pakistan’s power sector. Experts highlight that success hinges on user-friendly design, real-time data validation, and robust customer support to prevent confusion. If implemented effectively, this could set a precedent for further tech-driven reforms in utility services.