Govt unveils app to cut electricity theft, ensure fair billing

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the smart app under the initiative “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” (Your Meter, Your Reading).

Addressing the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said that electricity theft amounting to Rs500 billion annually is a major challenge. He added that while significant reforms have been made in the Ministry of Energy, more work is still needed. The Power Minister has made great efforts to reduce electricity prices, he noted.

Shehbaz Sharif said that strict action has been taken against corrupt mafias, and transparent negotiations were held with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He highlighted that circular debt was settled through successful negotiations with banks and that when fuel prices dropped, the government reduced electricity prices by Rs7.50 per unit to provide relief to the public. "We found ways to avoid increasing electricity prices," he said.

The prime minister announced the removal of the TV license fee from electricity bills. He added that while electricity production is high, consumption remains low — a challenge that must be addressed. He affirmed support for solarization efforts and said the new app primarily benefits ordinary consumers.

On the occasion, Power Minister Awais Leghari said that transparency in the power sector is crucial and that reforms using technology are ongoing. He noted that Rs110 billion were refunded to consumers last year due to overbilling issues.

According to a statement from the Power Division, the smart app allows consumers to take a picture of their electricity meter on a specified date and upload it to the app. The monthly bill will be generated based on the submitted reading.

The app aims to resolve issues like overbilling, incorrect readings, and delays in meter reading. Consumers will now have oversight of their own bills and participate directly in the reading process.

If both the consumer and meter reader upload readings, the lower reading will be prioritized. If the consumer submits the reading on time, the meter reader’s data will be disregarded, and only the consumer’s reading will be used.

The system is especially beneficial for consumers eligible for government subsidies. For example, those using up to 200 units of electricity receive a subsidized bill of approximately Rs2,330. However, using just one extra unit can result in losing the subsidy, pushing the bill up to Rs8,104. The app will help ensure that eligible consumers submit readings on time and continue receiving the subsidy.