Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given formal approval to phase out meter readers across all power distribution companies (Discos) in Pakistan, with the exception of Karachi Electric (KE). The decision, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in electricity billing, marks a significant step towards digital transformation in the power sector.
The centerpiece of this reform is a new self-meter reading system that will empower consumers to submit their electricity meter readings independently using a dedicated mobile application titled “Apna Meter Apni Reading.” The move is expected to significantly reduce human error, eliminate billing discrepancies, and bring cost savings to consumers.
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting held on June 17, 2025, where the Prime Minister instructed the Power Division to fast-track the development of a comprehensive Power Smart Mobile App. The app will be launched in multiple languages, including Urdu and regional languages, to ensure accessibility for users across different provinces and linguistic backgrounds.
To support this initiative, the federal government has allocated a budget of Rs. 316 million. The application will undergo a soft launch phase, during which all technical bugs and user experience issues will be addressed before a full-scale rollout.
The Pakistan Electric Power Company (PITC) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) have been assigned specific roles in the development, execution, and monitoring of the app. These responsibilities are outlined under the Terms of Reference (ToRs) set by the Power Division. Both organizations will also play key roles in testing and implementing supporting applications, including CCMS+ (Customer Care Management System), Lineman Mobile Solution, and the Power Smart App itself.
The Power Division has been given one month to finalize the roadmap for the complete elimination of meter readers. The digital tools being introduced will undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability, accuracy, and user-friendliness.
In a consumer-friendly move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has further directed that any administrative savings resulting from the discontinuation of meter readers should be passed directly on to electricity consumers, potentially leading to reductions in power bills or service charges.
This initiative reflects the government’s broader push to modernize public services and integrate digital technologies into everyday governance. By placing more control in the hands of consumers and reducing dependence on manual processes, the Power Division aims to build greater accountability, accuracy, and convenience into Pakistan’s power distribution network.
Industry analysts have praised the move as a long-overdue reform that could reduce complaints, improve billing integrity, and pave the way for smarter energy management systems in the future.
