`Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday officially launched the "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" smart mobile application, a new initiative designed to enhance transparency in electricity billing. The app enables consumers to record their own meter readings and submit them directly to their respective power distribution companies.
"We implemented reforms in the power sector, but we have a long way to go. We brought merit-based appointments to the boards of Discos, and took strong action against the corrupt mafia," he said.
The premier made these remarks at a ceremony to launch the "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" app.
The initiative seeks to gradually eliminate the role of meter readers in power distribution companies (Discos) nationwide, addressing widespread dissatisfaction among consumers. Under the current pro rata system, many consumers are shifted out of the 'protected category' or moved into higher billing slabs, resulting in increased electricity charges.
The prime minister maintained that the initiative is a revolutionary step undertaken by the government as part of power sector reforms over the past year.
He noted that the energy minister made stringent efforts and held tough negotiations with independent power producers (IPP) that eventually led to reduction in electricity prices by Rs7.5 per unit.
"We settled circular debt after negotiations with banks. When global oil prices were falling, we took advantage and reduced electricity prices," he said, adding that despite concerns, the government made the tough decision to rebase prices and not pass the burden to consumers.
The premier announced that the Pakistan Television (PTV) fee will be abolished from electricity bills. Consumers are currently charged Rs35 monthly PTV fee through electricity bills.
He noted that the biggest challenge is power theft worth Rs500bn annually, and efforts are being made to curb the menace.
He emphasized that the government will not discourage solar power as it is the cheapest form of electricity. "Pakistan is one of the countries with the largest growth in solar energy production," he said.
The prime minister observed that the main beneficiary of this app will be the power consumers. "It is a revolutionary technology, it will benefit every consumer in every home," adding that the power division should raise awareness among consumers to use the app, which has been introduced in five languages.
Federal Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari also spoke on the occasion and said the initiative aims to give the responsibility of the meter reader to the consumers.
He pointed out that power consumers under the 'protected category' consuming less than 100 units received higher bills due to delayed or flawed meter reading. He said the government returned Rs10bn in overbilled amounts last year and efforts are being made to ensure transparency in the billing process.
In a statement earlier, the Power Division said the new feature allows electricity consumers to take a picture of their electricity meter on a specified date and upload it to the app, based on which their monthly bill will be issued.
The aim of this system is to provide an effective solution to long-standing problems such as overbilling, reading errors and delay in reading.
"This is not just a technology feature but a concrete reform in governance, which truly empowers consumers. With this system, consumers will not only be able to keep track of their bills, but now they will also be the guardians of the reading process," it added.
If the user provides the reading on the due date, the meter reading taken after that day will not be given priority, and only the reading provided by the user will be fed.
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