Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the removal of electricity meter readers from all power distribution companies (DISCOs) across Pakistan, as part of a broader move to modernise the billing system and reduce errors.
A new digital initiative, titled Apna Meter, Apni Reading, will soon be introduced, allowing consumers to upload their own electricity meter readings through a mobile application. This change, however, will not apply to areas under K-Electric’s jurisdiction.
Currently, electricity meter readers are responsible for capturing images of meters and sending them to the relevant DISCOs to generate monthly bills. This manual system has faced criticism due to frequent overbilling and growing consumer dissatisfaction. Complaints about inaccurate bills have been persistent, with many demanding a more transparent and user-friendly process.
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Earlier in April, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) CEO Ramzan Butt announced plans for an app enabling consumers to submit meter readings themselves. The newly approved project now formalises that approach at a national level.
Although technical specifications and visuals of the app are still awaited, the new platform is expected to be launched soon. The shift aims to improve accuracy in billing, minimise disputes, and enhance consumer trust in the power sector.
Separately, in May 2025, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) reduced electricity prices by Rs1.55 per unit across the country, including Karachi, as part of the third quarterly adjustment of the fiscal year.
