In a major step toward improving transparency and curbing electricity overbilling, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the launch of a nationwide digital billing initiative titled “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” (My Meter, My Reading). The scheme will replace outdated manual electricity meters with a modern digital system across Pakistan.
According to government officials, the initiative will enable electricity consumers to submit their own meter readings through a mobile application, reducing dependency on manual readings, which have frequently led to inaccurate and inflated bills.
Public frustration over high electricity bills has been growing, prompting the government to act swiftly. During a recent high-level meeting, the prime minister directed the Power Division to present a comprehensive implementation roadmap within a month.
“This system is intended to empower users and introduce greater accountability in the electricity billing process,” said an official involved in the project. “It will also significantly reduce administrative overheads.”
To ensure wide accessibility, the mobile app will be developed in five languages: English, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi.
This marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s energy management policy, aimed at improving service delivery, building trust with consumers, and embracing digital innovation.
