Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the “Apna Meter, Apna Reading” mobile app on Sunday. This app allows electricity users to submit their own meter readings to ensure fair billing and reduce overcharging.
The government introduced this step to slowly remove the role of meter readers from power companies. Many consumers complained that wrong or delayed readings pushed them out of the protected slab, causing higher bills.
At the launch event, PM Shehbaz said, โWe implemented reforms in the power sector but have a long way to go. We brought merit-based appointments in the boards of Discos, and took strong action against the corrupt mafia.โ He called the app a big step under power sector reforms.
He added, โWe settled circular debt after negotiations with banks. When global oil prices were falling, we took advantage and reduced electricity prices.โ He praised the minister of energy for holding tough talks with independent power producers, which helped reduce prices by Rs7.5 per unit.
PM Shehbaz also announced that people will no longer pay the Rs35 monthly PTV fee in electricity bills. โThe biggest challenge is power theft worth Rs500bn annually,โ he said, adding that the government is working hard to stop it.
He made it clear that the government supports solar energy and wonโt discourage it. โPakistan is one of the countries with the largest growth in solar energy production,โ he said.
He stressed the app’s value for users. โIt is a revolutionary technology, it will benefit every consumer in every home,โ he said. He also directed the power division to promote the app, which supports five local languages.
Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari said the app gives control of meter readings directly to consumers. He shared that power companies often overcharged people using under 100 units because of delays and faulty readings. Last year, the government refunded Rs10 billion to affected users.
The Power Division explained that users can take a picture of their meter on a set date and upload it. The company will issue bills based on that reading. If users submit on time, their reading will override any later one.
This feature helps low-usage users stay within subsidy limits. A person using 200 units pays Rs2,330, but just one more unit raises the bill to Rs8,104. Timely readings through the app will prevent this.
โThis is not just a technology feature but a concrete reform in governance, which truly empowers consumers,โ the Power Division said.
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