“Your Meter, Your Reading”: Government Launches New Scheme to Curb Electricity Overbilling

Islamabad – In a move to combat electricity overbilling, the Government of Pakistan has announced a new initiative titled “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” (Your Meter, Your Reading), giving consumers the power to report their own electricity usage.
Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Leghari, revealed the scheme during a session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Energy (Power Division). Under the program, consumers will be able to take a photo of their electricity meter reading and submit it via a mobile app, allowing for more transparent and accurate billing.
“There will be no changes to the current electricity slab system,” clarified Leghari. “However, we are giving consumers control over their billing and ensuring that subsidies go to those who truly deserve them.”
The scheme aims to address public complaints about inflated bills and irregular readings. The Minister added that relief measures are being provided monthly and that the government has subsidized electricity by 56% for those consuming up to 100 units, and by 48% for those using 101 to 200 units.
During the session, concerns were also raised regarding unfair distribution of relief, with Member Rana Muhammad Hayat highlighting the lack of support for the agricultural sector, unlike the 30% relief provided to industries. Officials responded that relief in the industrial sector came due to the removal of cross-subsidies, and that comprehensive planning for the power sector is underway.
The committee also heard updates from power distribution companies. PESCO’s CEO reported improvements in collaboration with local communities, while another member, Junaid Akbar, criticized inefficiencies and unresolved power losses despite parliamentary cooperation.
Minister Leghari noted that the subsidy program is being linked with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to ensure targeted relief, though he stressed the need to update the BISP database. He further mentioned that the cancellation of Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts has saved the public Rs. 3,400 billion.
The “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” scheme is expected to be officially launched soon by the Prime Minister.