Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has introduced the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” Power Smart Mobile Application, aiming to bring transparency to Pakistan’s electricity billing system.

Speaking at the launch event in Islamabad, Sharif described the app as a transformative step designed to benefit consumers. The application, available in five languages, is intended to foster national unity and enhance inter-provincial coordination.

The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to reforming the power sector, highlighting ongoing efforts such as revamping the Boards of Distribution Companies (DISCOS), ensuring merit-based appointments, and addressing corruption.

Sharif pointed out that Pakistan incurs annual losses of 500 billion rupees due to power theft, and assured that the Power Ministry is working tirelessly to address this issue.

He also mentioned recent negotiations with banks to tackle circular debt, calling it a significant achievement. Additionally, the government has passed on benefits from reduced international oil prices to the power sector.

Highlighting the importance of solar energy, Sharif welcomed the rapid solarization in Pakistan, describing it as the most cost-effective way to generate electricity globally. He further announced the removal of the PTV fee from electricity bills to provide relief to consumers.

Power Division Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari reiterated the government’s focus on using technology to ensure transparency and address overbilling issues. The new app allows consumers to upload meter readings, which will be used to generate monthly bills, reducing reading errors and delays.

The “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” app offers a governance reform that empowers consumers to monitor their electricity usage and billing. The system prioritizes the lower of the readings submitted by consumers and meter readers, providing financial protection to users. It also benefits subsidy-eligible consumers by ensuring timely readings.

The initiative is expected to significantly reduce overbilling, unnecessary interventions, and consumer complaints, marking a substantial step forward in Pakistan’s power sector reforms.